In terms of consular functions, what is the primary purpose of issuing visas?

The primary purpose of issuing visas is to determine eligibility for travel to the US. This involves assessing whether an individual meets the legal requirements to enter the country, which can include checking their background, purpose of travel, financial means, and adherence to immigration laws. The visa process is designed to enhance national security by vetting visitors before they reach U.S. borders.

Collecting application fees is an administrative task rather than the main goal of issuing visas, while facilitating diplomatic travel and regulating trade relations are functions that may be connected to visas but are not the fundamental rationale behind their issuance. Therefore, the focus on determining eligibility directly relates to the safeguarding of national interests and the management of immigration policy.