re: "Not just visas"

Digger at Life After Jerusalem ("The musings of a Two-Spirit American Indian, Public Diplomacy-coned Foreign Service Officer") deconstructs Joel Mowbray's piece in the Washington Times.

Money quote(s):

"(I)ssuing the visa was the appropriate decision. However, even had State revoked the visa the moment his father raised concerns, this would not have affected his ability to get onto the flight because he still had in his passport a visa that looked valid. Airlines don't have access to our visa records for understandable security reasons, and we don't have DHS agents at every overseas airport in the world. So the first place that it could have been noticed that his visa had been revoked would have been at the U.S. border. and his attack occurred long before that."

Which doesn't fit Mr. Mowbray's normal default position of finding State at fault.

"When I took con-gen (the training course for consular officers), I was told that for tourist visas you start at no. All applicants are to be presumed to be intending immigrants until they can prove otherwise."

Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (as amended), every applicant for a non-immigrant visa (NIV) must be considered to be an intending immigrant (and thus inelible to receive a non-immigrant visa) unless they convince the interviewing consular officer of their qualifications and non-immigrant bona fides. Period.

There are specific categories of NIV where this doesn't apply (such as fiancee visas for persons who're traveling to the U.S. in order to marry their U.S. citizen intended and who will adjust status to Legal Permanent Resident once the ink's dry on their marriage certificate), but for tourism and business travel it's square one.

"I think this is the default position for every officer working the visa window, especially those of us who joined after 9/11. Because no one wants to be part of letting that happen again. We all jumped through a lot of hoops to join the Foreign Service because we love this country and wanted to serve it."

JO - Time to care again for Caricom

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Observer

Time to care again for Caricom

Sir Ronald Sanders

Sunday, April 26, 2009


IT seems that every time the countries of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom) make one step forward in the quest for deeper integration, they take two steps backward, and the goal becomes even more elusive.

Sir Ronald Sanders

There have been several recent manifestations of this, one of them being the approach to ALBA - the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas - created by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"One member government of Caricom is formally a member of ALBA and two others have indicated that they might join the organisation.
The government that has joined ALBA is Dominica and the governments that have announced their intention to do so are St Vincent & the Grenadines and Antigua & Barbuda."

"The known members of ALBA are: Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Dominica.

When ALBA was conceived, it was not a treaty organisation and its principles resided in economic co-operation arrangements which appeared to benefit countries that joined it with Venezuela being the principal donor."

&

"Since then, however, a military dimension has crept into the organisation. Both Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega have argued that the member countries of ALBA "should work to form a joint defence strategy and start joining our armed forces, air forces, armies, navies, National Guards, and intelligence forces, because the enemy is the same, the empire (meaning the United States)"."

_____


Responses to: ronaldsanders29@hotmail.com

Sir Ronald Sanders is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat.

JG - The Earl of Trident

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

The Earl of Trident


Published: Sunday April 26, 2009


Contributed photos

LEFT: Guests and staff huddle for a group picture at Trident Castle following Earl Levy's Easter Sunday lunch.

RIGHT: Host Earl Levy (left) and friend, Charles Hanna, before lunch on Easter Sunday, at Trident Castle.


Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor


He is known and celebrated internationally and nationally as a world-class architect. His creations stand like pillars of good taste and unimpeachable style in the preferred neighbours of upper St Andrew, such as Old Stony Hill and the 'Golden Triangle' and its environs, and are to be found in the more exclusive resort neighbourhoods outside of Kingston.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Years later, the Trident Castle was added to the Trident Hotel and Villas portfolio, adding just the right touch of élan and fantasy to the skyline and social stratosphere of Port Antonio. Though some thought it somewhat quirky at the time, the Trident Castle, was a stroke of marketing brilliance, adding as it did another dimension of fantasy and escape to the product and fast became not just a favourite get-away for the wealthy and famous, but was greeted with enthusiasm by the residents. They see the castle as a worthy landmark, helping to cement the status of their neighbourhood as a preferred destination.

Still king

Well, today, Port Antonio, Jamaica, is still the preferred destination of the international 'A-crowders', particularly so among European nobles, their scions and the very wealthy. The Trident Hotel and Villas have changed ownership, but Levy, is still king of his Castle. And on Easter Sunday, he threw open its doors and hosted what was a most delightful lunch that was so fabulous, it's still the buzz all over!
Luvs, the Trident Castle is not only a legendary Jamaican landmark, it has made of its owner and builder a celebrated figure in Port Antonio where he is reverentially referred to as The Earl of Trident. This is a sign of respect for his vision and accomplishments. It has earned him quite the grudging respect of many a titled Europeans, who has come to regard it as creative architectural intervention, adding to the appeal
and diversification of the appeal of sun and beach."

JG - Falmouth port gets nod from investors

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

Falmouth port gets nod from investors

Published: Sunday April 26, 2009

ContributedThe latest rendering of the historic Falmouth port.


Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer


WESTERN BUREAU:


After months of trying to secure money for the construction of the island's cruise ship port in Falmouth, Trelawny, The Sunday Gleaner has been told that the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is wrapping up debt-financing proposals from three international government banks.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The Export Import Bank of the United States Government, in addition to the Belgian and Danish governments, have shown keen interest in the US$250-million project, one of the port's developers, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) confirmed to The Sunday Gleaner at the just-concluded Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) in Hamilton, Bermuda."

"Falmouth is one of three projects being developed by RCCL for a western Caribbean itinerary, which includes Labadde, a private destination in Haiti and Cozumel in Mexico. The cruise company, in its proposal to the Jamaican Government, has committed to bring in a minimum of 400,000 passengers annually for the next 20 years. An average cruise ship passenger spends US$105 per person per port."

&

"The project is broken down into two components: The marine works, which include the pier and terminal building; and the land side project "which will feature a variety of business entities to be housed in structures", including shops, entertainment and restaurants that mimic Georgian style architecture. It is understood that some of the work to be done by Royal Caribbean could include renovation of historic structures at Hampden Wharf and Tharpe House.""


_____



Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

JG - WARNING IGNORED! Despite airport-security audit prior to attempted hijacking, Jamaican authorities failed to plug loopholes

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

WARNING IGNORED! Despite airport-security audit prior to attempted hijacking, Jamaican authorities failed to plug loopholes

Published: Sunday April 26, 2009

>Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator


THE CRACKS and weaknesses in the security systems at the island's two international airports were identified long before 21-year-old Stephen Fray armed himself with a gun, walked through the critical checkpoints and attempted to hijack a CanJet aircraft at the Sangster International Airport, St James, a week ago.

Read the whole article here.

SI - U.S. bill aims to make it tough to hire foreigners

From my archive of press clippings:

Silicon India

U.S. bill aims to make it tough to hire foreigners

By IANS
Sunday,26 April 2009, 20:13 hrs

Washington: Two U.S. senators have introduced a bill to make it tougher for American firms to employ foreign professionals under its H-1B and L1 visa programmes utilised the most by Indians and the Chinese.

Snippet(s):

"Indian professionals followed by those from China account for the maximum number of H-1Bs visa designed to bring highly skilled professionals here. L1 B visas are for skilled workers."

&

"Despite an extension of date twice, only 44,000 H-1B visa applications have been received against the existing cap of 65,000."

S&S - General, on tour, says AFRICOM does not look to dominate

From my archive of press clippings:

Stars and Stripes

General, on tour, says AFRICOM does not look to dominate


By John Vandiver, Stars and Stripes


European edition, Sunday, May 17, 2009

John Vandiver / S&S

During a question and answer session with Gen. William “Kip” Ward at Politecnica University in Maputo, Mozambique, student Miguel Prista asked what the U.S. intends to accomplish with U.S. Africa Command. His theory was that the command was formed as part of an attempt toward global domination, but Ward said the purpose of his command centers on helping African countries develop more capacity to provide for their own security.

MAPUTO, Mozambique — In an auditorium of academicians, diplomats and defense attaches, a bearded student took the microphone and went off on a monologue.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"During a question-and-answer session with Gen. William "Kip" Ward, the Portuguese-speaking Maputo resident let loose on his theories about the United States and its intentions with U.S. Africa Command. AFRICOM isn’t about building partnerships, but rather another means for U.S. to achieve global domination, Prista argued.

Prista’s long speech and multipart question elicited a succinct response from Ward, the AFRICOM commander

"That’s a quick one for me," Ward said. "We do not seek to dominate." "

&

"During his visit in Maputo, Ward met with military and political leaders to discuss areas where the U.S. can support efforts of the military to build its security capacity. The general has been having similar discussions in the past week with leaders from other southeast African countries.
But on a continent with a long history of colonialism and having its natural resources plundered by outsiders, the notion that American interests are restricted to helping Africans provide for their own security appears to be a hard sell at times."

S&S - Lawmakers seek better job security for guardsmen, reservists

Stars and Stripes

Lawmakers seek better job security for guardsmen, reservists


By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes

Mideast edition, Saturday, April 25, 2009


WASHINGTON — Lawmakers on Tuesday pushed for stronger legal protection for guardsmen and reservists looking to return to their civilian jobs without penalty after mobilization, saying the government owes them that security.

Snippet(s):

"That law prohibits employers of guardsmen and reservists from firing them, cutting their pay or changing their benefits when they are called to active-duty service. But veterans groups complain that too often businesses ignore those rules with little or no consequence."

"Davis’ said his bill and companion legislation introduced by Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., would add "more teeth" to the existing USERRA rules. The measure would for the first time allow punitive damages in such disputes, instead of limiting reservists to only actual lost wages."

&

"The legislation would also allow USERRA cases against private employers to be heard in state courts, instead of just federal courts. Bocceri said that could dramatically cut down on the typical three-year wait that reservists face in employment disputes.

State governments would also be held to the same standards as private companies under the measure, and wage discrimination related to a reservist’s deployment would be specifically outlawed."

JG - Welcome! Our doors are open

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

Welcome! Our doors are open


Published: Sunday May 17, 2009


Winston Sill/Freelance PhotographerMarco Vinicio Ruiz, minister of foreign trade, Costa Rica.


COSTA RICA is the first Central American country to establish a free-trade agreement with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states. The Jamaican Parliament is still to ratify the agreement.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The Central American economic powerhouse of 50,000 square kilometres and 4.5 million people exports 4,000 products to 150 countries. Costa Rican companies export 60 per cent of their production. The country's per capita income of US$10,000 is the highest in Central America."

S&S - Author of report that cited vet threat to be replaced

From my archive of press clippings:

Stars and Stripes

Author of report that cited vet threat to be replaced


Stars and Stripes

Mideast edition, Saturday, April 25, 2009


A Homeland Security official reportedly responsible for a controversial report suggesting military veterans could be recruited by extremists in the U.S. is being replaced, the Washington Times reported Friday.

Snippet(s):

"The report was titled "Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment."

Under the heading "Disgruntled Military Veterans," the report said "right-wing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat.""

JG - Airport drug bust

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

Airport drug bust


Published: Sunday May 17, 2009


Llewellyn


CUSTOMS OFFICIALS, assisted by narcotics and other law enforcement personnel, seized more than 165 pounds of cocaine and 175 pounds of compressed ganja at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, yesterday morning.

Read the whole article here.

BW - H1B Visa Law: Trying Again

From my archive of press clippings:


Business Week

H1B Visa Law: Trying Again


April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST


Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program


By Moira Herbst


Two U.S. senators are reintroducing legislation aimed at revamping the H-1B visa program for guest workers in the U.S., at a time of rising unemployment and growing evidence that the program has been marred by fraud. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) hope that the bill, "The H-1B and L-1 Visa Fraud & Prevention Act of 2009," has a better chance of passing now than when they originally introduced it in 2007.

Snippet(s):

"The bill would not reduce the number of H-1B visas—now 85,000 per year—but contains provisions to increase oversight and enforcement and discourage outsourcing of H-1B visa holders. It also requires all employers seeking to hire an H-1B visa holder to pledge that they have made a "good faith" effort to hire American workers first, and that the H-1B visa holder will not displace an American worker. Under current law, only heavy users of the program must make such a pledge."

"Microsoft came under fire in January when it announced it would lay off 5,000 workers while continuing to seek H-1B visas. On the company's first-quarter earnings call on Apr. 23, Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell said the company wants to add 2,000 to 3,000 new jobs in "higher growth" areas over the next 18 months. He said Microsoft's overall applications for H-1B visas are down about 20% and new-hire visas down 40% from last year."

"The introduction of the bill comes as concern has spread about the H-1B program's susceptibility to fraud. In October, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services released a report stating that 13% of H-1B visa applications are fraudulent and another 7% contain some form of technical violations."

continued

(page 2 of 2)

"The new bill calls for the Labor Dept. to conduct random audits of at least 1% of companies using the H-1B program, and would require the agency to conduct annual audits of companies with more than 100 employees that have 15% or more of those workers on H-1B visas. The bill also authorizes 200 additional Labor Dept. employees to administer, oversee, investigate, and enforce guest worker programs such as H-1B. The bill would also require that employers advertise a job opening for 30 days on a Labor Dept. Web site before seeking a visa for such a position. It would also forbid employers from advertising a job as available only for H-1B visa holders."

&

"The bill also includes a number of changes to the L-1 visa program, which is used for intracompany transfers of employees for up to seven years. It would establish for the first time a process for Labor Dept. officials to investigate, audit, and penalize L-1 visa abuses."

_____

Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.