Obtaining a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate can be a lengthy process due to several reasons:
1. High Demand: The United States is one of the most sought-after destinations for travel, work, study, and migration. The high demand means a large number of applications, which can lead to backlogs.
2. Security Concerns: Post 9/11, the U.S. visa process has become more stringent to ensure national security. Every visa application undergoes rigorous security checks to prevent potential threats from entering the country.