Need info on visas...

I am an American citizen and I lived in the DR for a brief period of time as a missionary. I'm going back in about 2 weeks and I need some info on helping Domincans get a visa. I'd like to help a friend of mine have a chance to visit the States. I had heard that if they show up with American help they have much better chances. But I have no idea what I need to do on my part. Do we go to the consul, the embassy, both? Do I need to have a letter prepared? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

The subject has been covered extensively in the past on this message board. Suggest you do research entering the earlier date categories. This will give you many email addresses of people that may give you further valuable advice. From a quick search we found this comment that shapes up the situation:

"There is a presumption that anyone who applies for a visa to visit the US intends to stay here permanently. In order to overcome that presumption the applicant has to demonstrate significant ties to their home country such as (1) job, (2) children, (3) ownership of property and ability to support oneself while in the US."

Re visa, forget that idea. Americans are not allowed to enter visa area of consulate. Visas are granted basically on financial status of the applicant according to a formula. Your help does not even figure into the equation. Bad idea for you.

". Americans are not allowed to enter visa area of consulate"

Is this something new since March? You are referring to the Embassy of the United States of America I trust, the same soverign soil where US citizens transact INS business. WHO keeps US Citizens from entering the US Embassy, the renat a cops out back? If you have a problem with Dominican security, ask to speak to the Marine OOD