Actually, Hacker School is vocational and requires an "M" visa. But, Hacker School isn't a Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified school. So they can't sponsor visas. Which would explain exactly why denials would be happening. The purpose of the stay is "study" but the visa type is "tourist." That's the reason for rejections. It isn't the school name that creates the problem, it's the mismatched purpose of trip/visa type.
I'm not sure why you'd be convincing the Immigration Officer of anything, assuming you were at the port of entry with a valid visa. If you were trying to get the visa, then that would be a Consular Officer. There's a lot more that goes into visa issuance than the name "Hacker School." One of the big things would be proof of adequate funds plus a compelling reason to return home. Essentially, you have to convince the consular officer that you don't intend to violate your visa.
"Actually, Hacker School is vocational and requires an "M" visa."
This is not true. See my response elsewhere on HN (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9265755), but the tl;dr is: We've confirmed with immigration lawyers that it's perfectly legitimate for people to come on visitor visas. A couple of people have had their visa requests denied (not because of anything specific to us but because of concerns that they would stay beyond 90 days), but no one has been rejected at the border, though some people have had a long and hard time explaining what "hacker" means to the border guards.
> I'm not sure why you'd be convincing the Immigration Officer of anything, assuming you were at the port of entry with a valid visa.
Because immigration officers can and will deny a person entry if it is believed they will violate the terms of their visa. Even if the consulate and USCIS has approved you in good faith, an immigration officer has the right to reject you for any reason.
I've had trick questions asked of me upon entry. I've had to make awkward small talk about key topics. They look for red flags and inconsistencies.
I've also had officers essentially just wave me through.
I'm not sure why you'd be convincing the Immigration Officer of anything, assuming you were at the port of entry with a valid visa. If you were trying to get the visa, then that would be a Consular Officer. There's a lot more that goes into visa issuance than the name "Hacker School." One of the big things would be proof of adequate funds plus a compelling reason to return home. Essentially, you have to convince the consular officer that you don't intend to violate your visa.