I am an expatriate with a non-U.S. spouse. Current U.S. visa options make it nearly impossible for my wife to accompany me on a vacation to America. A non-immigrant visa applicant must prove that they have no intention of immigrating. Marriage to a US citizen automatically puts up red flags that the applicant wants to immigrate. An applicant must show significant ties to another country such as a business or home ownership that will compel them to leave the United States after their visit.

The problem is that there are many expatriates married to non-US citizens who are living happily outside the US but cannot prove non-immigrant intent. These same couples could easily apply for the non-US person to get permanent residency (green card) in the US. However, since they have no intention of moving to the US, it would be a lie to apply for permanent residency. This situation leaves these couples with no options for visiting the United States as a family. This situation penalizes Americans who marry non-Americans and decide to live outside of the United States.