A Gap Year

I am still about two weeks about from learning my next post. This is not unusual, although this year's bidding season has been highly unorthodox.

You see, the State Department usually hands out posts at least partially on the basis of 'equity'. People who served in difficult, dangerous spots get nice spots on the next go-around as a form of compensation. Makes sense right?

Well, here's the catch. Consular Affairs is facing a huge staffing shortfall in the coming years as a result of having too much visa demand and too few entry level officers. They COULD hire more people, but that would require authorization from Congress, and....yeah.

So, in addition to a number of stopgap programs to allow non-FSOs to adjudicate visas, CA has decided to designate certain positions as 'high priority'. These will get filled before anything else does.

Those with low equity (the Parises and Torontos of the world) will not be affected, but those coming from danger spots who were hoping for something modern and cushy may be in for a nasty shock.

Heard (and Overheard) On the Visa Line

Officer: OK ma'am, where do...wait, your case was already refused today.

Applicant: Oh no, that must've been my twin sister!

Officer: Why do you want a visa?
Applicant: To cross the border

Officer: How are you going to pay for your trip?
Applicant: With dollars
Officer: OK, let's start over...

Officer:Where are you going to travel?
Applicant: To the United States.

Officer: What is your job?
Applicant: My job is to work.

Officer: sir, I see you were arrested 3 times for cocaine, domestic violence, and a hit and run.
Applicant: no....that wasn't me.
Officer: It's your fingerprints, and your photo, and your name.
Applicant: I don't remember that.

Officer: Sir, have you ever traveled to the United States?
Applicant: No.
Officer: It says here you were deported in 2004.
Applicant: Oh, does that count?

Officer: What is your job?
Applicant: I am a secretary.
Officer: And how much do you earn in a month?
Applicant: 50,000 pesos.
Officer: That's more than a doctor or lawyer would make.
Applicant: Yes, I'm very good at my job.

I could go on....