From my archive of press clippings:
USA Today
Stranded travelers turn to social media as ash paralyzes Europe
As ash from a belching volcano in Iceland continues to ground flights across Europe, benched travelers are turning to social media for rides and rooms - and a virtual shoulder to cry on.
Healdsburg, Calif.-based writer Tod Brilliant launched a Facebook group this weekend, "When Volcanoes Erupt: A Survival Guide for Stranded Travelers," after he and his wife Andrea Barrett - who is 31 weeks pregnant - found themselves unable to fly home to California from London's Heathrow airport after a wedding.
Read the whole article here.
-- By Laura Bly, USA TODAY
Showing posts with label USA Today. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA Today. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, September 17, 2009
USA-T - Accused Americans could be stuck in Brazil for months
From my archive of press clippings:
USA Today
Accused Americans could be stuck in Brazil for months
Updated 7/9/2009 3:31 PM
By Andrea Stone, USA TODAY
Three U.S. graduate students arrested last month for suspected poaching and visa violations could be stranded in a remote corner of Brazil for months as their case goes through the courts, their lawyer says.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"University of Arizona geoscientists Michael McGlue, 31, and Mark Trees, 48, and University of Minnesota-Duluth student Kelly Wendt, 26, were arrested by federal police June 16 while working on a climate change project with the University of the State of Sao Paulo. The Americans spent eight nights in jail before being released on bail June 26. Police confiscated their passports as well as computers, research equipment, cellphones and cash."
&
"State Department spokeswoman Laura Tischler said U.S. diplomats had spoken with the men but suggested there was little they could do.
"The traveler really needs to check what the requirements are by checking the embassy websites," she said. "Once you travel and are in another country, you are subject to local law." "
______
USA Today
Accused Americans could be stuck in Brazil for months
Updated 7/9/2009 3:31 PM
By Andrea Stone, USA TODAY
Three U.S. graduate students arrested last month for suspected poaching and visa violations could be stranded in a remote corner of Brazil for months as their case goes through the courts, their lawyer says.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"University of Arizona geoscientists Michael McGlue, 31, and Mark Trees, 48, and University of Minnesota-Duluth student Kelly Wendt, 26, were arrested by federal police June 16 while working on a climate change project with the University of the State of Sao Paulo. The Americans spent eight nights in jail before being released on bail June 26. Police confiscated their passports as well as computers, research equipment, cellphones and cash."
&
"State Department spokeswoman Laura Tischler said U.S. diplomats had spoken with the men but suggested there was little they could do.
"The traveler really needs to check what the requirements are by checking the embassy websites," she said. "Once you travel and are in another country, you are subject to local law." "
______
Sunday, May 17, 2009
USA-T - Our view on legal immigration: Congratulations, graduate. Now leave the USA. Limits on skilled-immigrant visas hurt the nation's competitivene
USA Today
Our view on legal immigration: Congratulations, graduate. Now leave the USA. Limits on skilled-immigrant visas hurt the nation's competitiveness.
Posted at 12:22 AM/ET, May 12, 2009
Around this time each year, thousands of foreign students graduate with science and engineering degrees from U.S. universities. Many are eager to stay in America and contribute to the U.S. economy.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"For years, Congress has limited the number of highly skilled foreign workers whom U.S. companies can hire under what's known as the H-1B program. Every April 1, companies — from high-tech to financial firms — file petitions to hire these individuals.
In recent years, the cap of 85,000 (including 20,000 set aside for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions) has been reached within days, sometimes the first day. Last year, about 78,000 of the best and brightest didn't make the cut. "
Our view on legal immigration: Congratulations, graduate. Now leave the USA. Limits on skilled-immigrant visas hurt the nation's competitiveness.
Posted at 12:22 AM/ET, May 12, 2009
Around this time each year, thousands of foreign students graduate with science and engineering degrees from U.S. universities. Many are eager to stay in America and contribute to the U.S. economy.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"For years, Congress has limited the number of highly skilled foreign workers whom U.S. companies can hire under what's known as the H-1B program. Every April 1, companies — from high-tech to financial firms — file petitions to hire these individuals.
In recent years, the cap of 85,000 (including 20,000 set aside for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions) has been reached within days, sometimes the first day. Last year, about 78,000 of the best and brightest didn't make the cut. "
Thursday, April 23, 2009
USA-T - It's time to prepare for new border crossing rules
From my archive of press clippings:
USA Today
It's time to prepare for new border crossing rules
By Bill McGee, special for USA TODAY
All borders are created equal. It may sound overly simplistic to point this out, but every day Americans who would never forget to bring proper documentation when traveling outside the country on a commercial airline flight or cruise ship attempt to drive or walk from Canada or Mexico without making the same provisions.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"And starting on June 1, visiting some of our closest neighbors—including Bermuda and most Caribbean countries, as well as Canada and Mexico—will become much more complex with the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. In fact, if you haven't applied for a passport yet, it may be time you give it serious thought."
"The new rules that kick in on June 1 will affect travel from 19 countries in all (see box at left), and many are nations that millions of Americans have been traveling to and from for years without carrying valid passports. But two months from now, new rules mandate that "most" U.S. citizens entering the country by land, sea, or air must establish both identity and citizenship and therefore must possess one of the following:
• passport
• passport card
• other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security
Those "other travel documents" include Lawful Permanent Resident Cards; certain Native American tribe member cards; North American trusted traveler program cards, such as NEXUS (Northern Border program), SENTRI (Southern Border program), or FAST (Free and Secure Trade program); military ID with official travel orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner Documents; or enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs). Currently, four border states—Arizona, New York, Vermont, and Washington—have announced EDL programs, which issue driver's licenses imbedded with security chips that will expedite crossings. "
&
" NEVER give attitude to federal employees. Whether they represent Customs and Border Protection, Immigration, Agriculture, or any of the other agencies you may encounter at a border crossing, these folks should command the same respect as when you're trapped behind those heavy doors at an international airport's arrivals hall. (And consider for a moment how angry you'd be if they allowed a terrorist into the United States through a "side door" such as Canada or Mexico.)"
_____
Bill McGee, a contributing editor to Consumer Reports and the former editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, is an FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher who worked in airline operations and management for several years. Tell him what you think of his latest column by sending him an e-mail at USATODAY.com at travel@usatoday. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number, and he may use your feedback in a future column.
USA Today
It's time to prepare for new border crossing rules
By Bill McGee, special for USA TODAY
All borders are created equal. It may sound overly simplistic to point this out, but every day Americans who would never forget to bring proper documentation when traveling outside the country on a commercial airline flight or cruise ship attempt to drive or walk from Canada or Mexico without making the same provisions.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"And starting on June 1, visiting some of our closest neighbors—including Bermuda and most Caribbean countries, as well as Canada and Mexico—will become much more complex with the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. In fact, if you haven't applied for a passport yet, it may be time you give it serious thought."
"The new rules that kick in on June 1 will affect travel from 19 countries in all (see box at left), and many are nations that millions of Americans have been traveling to and from for years without carrying valid passports. But two months from now, new rules mandate that "most" U.S. citizens entering the country by land, sea, or air must establish both identity and citizenship and therefore must possess one of the following:
• passport
• passport card
• other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security
Those "other travel documents" include Lawful Permanent Resident Cards; certain Native American tribe member cards; North American trusted traveler program cards, such as NEXUS (Northern Border program), SENTRI (Southern Border program), or FAST (Free and Secure Trade program); military ID with official travel orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner Documents; or enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs). Currently, four border states—Arizona, New York, Vermont, and Washington—have announced EDL programs, which issue driver's licenses imbedded with security chips that will expedite crossings. "
&
" NEVER give attitude to federal employees. Whether they represent Customs and Border Protection, Immigration, Agriculture, or any of the other agencies you may encounter at a border crossing, these folks should command the same respect as when you're trapped behind those heavy doors at an international airport's arrivals hall. (And consider for a moment how angry you'd be if they allowed a terrorist into the United States through a "side door" such as Canada or Mexico.)"
_____
Bill McGee, a contributing editor to Consumer Reports and the former editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, is an FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher who worked in airline operations and management for several years. Tell him what you think of his latest column by sending him an e-mail at USATODAY.com at travel@usatoday. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number, and he may use your feedback in a future column.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
USA-T - Crossing the border? Take your passport.
USA Today
Crossing the border? Take your passport.
Updated 3d 5h ago
By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Federal officials hope a new education campaign will eliminate confusion at U.S. borders this summer when Americans will be required for the first time to show a passport or a special ID card to drive home from Canada or Mexico.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The State Department is urging people to seek passports now to avoid a backlog of applications."
&
"On June 1, U.S. citizens entering the country by land or sea will have to present a passport or government border-crossing card that shows their name and proof of citizenship."
Crossing the border? Take your passport.
Updated 3d 5h ago
By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Federal officials hope a new education campaign will eliminate confusion at U.S. borders this summer when Americans will be required for the first time to show a passport or a special ID card to drive home from Canada or Mexico.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The State Department is urging people to seek passports now to avoid a backlog of applications."
&
"On June 1, U.S. citizens entering the country by land or sea will have to present a passport or government border-crossing card that shows their name and proof of citizenship."
Monday, February 23, 2009
USA-T - More border states plan to ease travel with enhanced licenses
From my archive of press clippings:
USA Today
More border states plan to ease travel with enhanced licenses
By Paul Sancya, AP
Customs officer Nick Ligerakis hands back a Michigan drivers license and information pamphlet to a driver coming from Canada to Detroit this January. Several border states are working to issue enhanced drivers' licenses that would allow people to enter and leave the U.S. with ease and without other identification.
Read the whole article here.
USA Today
More border states plan to ease travel with enhanced licenses
By Paul Sancya, AP
Customs officer Nick Ligerakis hands back a Michigan drivers license and information pamphlet to a driver coming from Canada to Detroit this January. Several border states are working to issue enhanced drivers' licenses that would allow people to enter and leave the U.S. with ease and without other identification.
Read the whole article here.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
USA-T - Adoption inquiries soar after China quake orphans children
From my archive of press clippings:
USA Today
Adoption inquiries soar after China quake orphans children
By Wendy Koch and Calum MacLeod, USA TODAY
Adoption agencies are receiving a surge in phone calls from people who want to adopt children orphaned by the earthquake in China.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Last May, China tightened its eligibility rules, barring foreign applicants who are single, gay, obese, older than 50, low-income or have a history of mental illness.
China had been the No. 1 foreign country for adoptions by people in the USA since 2000. Now it is sending fewer orphans: 5,453 in 2007, down from 7,906 in 2005, according to the State Department."
USA Today
Adoption inquiries soar after China quake orphans children
By Wendy Koch and Calum MacLeod, USA TODAY
Adoption agencies are receiving a surge in phone calls from people who want to adopt children orphaned by the earthquake in China.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Last May, China tightened its eligibility rules, barring foreign applicants who are single, gay, obese, older than 50, low-income or have a history of mental illness.
China had been the No. 1 foreign country for adoptions by people in the USA since 2000. Now it is sending fewer orphans: 5,453 in 2007, down from 7,906 in 2005, according to the State Department."
Thursday, January 15, 2009
USA-T - Homeland Security rules on data collection rile businesses
USA Today
Homeland Security rules on data collection rile businesses
By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security will collect millions of new electronic records about private planes, imported cargo, foreign visitors and federal contractors as part of an array of controversial last-minute security policies imposed by the Bush administration.
Homeland Security rules on data collection rile businesses
By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY
2009-01-06
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security will collect millions of new electronic records about private planes, imported cargo, foreign visitors and federal contractors as part of an array of controversial last-minute security policies imposed by the Bush administration.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Businesses say the policies are costly, and worry that sensitive information could be released if a database is lost or stolen. Some charge the Homeland Security Department with rushing to impose policies and ignoring business concerns."Friday, January 2, 2009
USA-T - Lawmakers, Airlines Oppose Bush Fingerprinting Plan
From my archive of press clippings:
USA Today
Lawmakers, Airlines Oppose Bush Fingerprinting Plan
By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY
7/1/2008
WASHINGTON — Key members of Congress are siding with the airline industry and moving to block the administration from forcing airlines to take fingerprints of foreign visitors before they fly home.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The department fingerprints visitors as they arrive and tracks their departures using paper forms that are sometimes inaccurate."
USA Today
Lawmakers, Airlines Oppose Bush Fingerprinting Plan
By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY
7/1/2008
WASHINGTON — Key members of Congress are siding with the airline industry and moving to block the administration from forcing airlines to take fingerprints of foreign visitors before they fly home.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The department fingerprints visitors as they arrive and tracks their departures using paper forms that are sometimes inaccurate."
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