"I'm not certain when you brought these ladies over, but unless they have strong ties to home there is no way they qualify under the visa waiver program. I have seen doctors and lawyers turned down. A letter insuring the will guarantee their return has not been helpful. Indeed, we have suggested letters to use, which need to be modified for each case. The only single RW I have seen get a visa was when a man brought her by lying she was coming to help him write a book."
They came over as tourists and left as tourists. There's nothing wrong with that. My letters of support were strong enough that the consular officers had no doubt. Plus, they weren't connected in any way, shape, or form to a marriage agency. If you look past visa connected to marriage/dating agencies you'll see plenty of Russians actually get tourist visas, do a trip to the States, and come home in time. I see nothing wrong with Russians coming over as tourists.
Maybe you had more pull at the consulate than anyone I have known, and that is how you were able to get visas. That said, neither do I see anything wrong with Russians getting tourist visas. I would love to see them be able to visit. However, I do know Russia does not qualify for the
Visa Waiver Program due to the large number of Russians which do not return. Unless they have a strong compelling reason to return they will be denied a visa. Look it up for yourself under Visa Waiver Program. You likely are more familiar with this than myself, but the following is from the website of the Moscow Consulate.
Moscow Consulate: Frequently asked questions
A qualified applicant for a U.S. non-immigrant visa is able to demonstrate binding social, familial, and/or economic ties to Russia which, in the opinion of the consular officer, constitute a compelling need to return to Russia after a temporary visit to the United States. Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act requires a consular officer to presume that a visa applicant intends to immigrate to the United States until the applicant provides sufficient evidence to the contrary. For more information, please see the section on supporting documents that can accompany a visa application.
and
Consular officers must evaluate the qualifications of the visa applicant. Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act requires the consular officer to presume that all applicants for a non-immigrant visa do, in fact, intend to immigrate. Applicants may overcome this presumption by presenting evidence of binding social, familial, and economic ties to Russia that are sufficiently strong to compel the applicant to leave the U.S. after a temporary visit. The burden, therefore, is on the applicant to present such evidence at the time of the visa interview. Assurances from friends, family members or associates in the United States do not affect the applicant’s eligibility for visa issuance.
Once again, I am not doubting that you were able to do this, I am just saying I have known hundreds of men's ladies who have been turned down, and only one approved.