Brett Bruen at The Hill ("It signals the important issues of the moment.") makes some nice arguments about the importance of U.S. diplomacy to real life Americans.
Money quote(s):
"You’re robbed on a trip overseas. It’s late on a Friday night. A short message at the American Embassy informs you that due to budget cuts they no longer provide afterhours service. No help will be available until Monday. Even then, you’ll face long lines and limited options. Can our citizens really do without diplomats?"
Most consular services are supported by fees. Application fees for visas, processing fees for passports, notarial fees; you get the picture.
There are some instances where there's no fee charged; in death cases, in assisting victims of crime, in visiting U.S. citizens detained, arrested, or imprisoned abroad. That comes out of overhead. Embassies and consulates (and the Bureau of Consular Affairs which pays the salaries of consular staff) eat the cost; the paying customers subsidize the non-paying ones.
One of the concerns about (possibly) moving the visa and passport missions to DHS is the question of who then shoulders the burden of some of the most sensitive functions of consular work, assisting U.S. citizens abroad? Along with that, who pays for it? Would State retain those responsibilities? Would DHS assume them? If the fees ($2 billion annually) were to move along with the visa and passport function to DHS, is Congress then going to begin appropriating a budget (which it hasn't had to do in decades) to pay for those non-fee generating services?
"In defending diplomacy, we too often talk in bold and broad terms. World peace. International trade. America’s standing on the global stage. These goals seem detached from the kinds of things that impact people every day. Less heralded are the concessions achieved by our negotiators that make the world a fairer place to do business. Few will connect the fact Americans need a visa to so few countries with the work of diplomacy. There are no parades for the war that didn’t happen."
Americans may travel to so many countries around the world needing to get a visa beforehand that some are honestly surprised when they encounter a situation where they do. Naturally, that tends to happen (since nowadays nobody books trips through travel agencies which might have warned them) when they try to board a flight for their dream vacation destination and are denied boarding. Even more naturally, that will happen as they try to change plans at an airport overseas and on a weekend in a city where they don't understand the language, they have no hotel reservations, and there is no U.S. consulate.
"There are those in the West Wing who doubt diplomats’ support for Trump’s foreign policies. Yet, every senior diplomat in Foggy Bottom served under Republican and Democratic administrations. They did so because they are guided by a belief in American principles, not party."
It's true our diplomats genuinely put country before party. Nonetheless, it's also true that the last eight years really muddied those waters, especially in the minds of those who watched from the other side of the aisle.
Showing posts with label visas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label visas. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Thursday, April 12, 2012
re: "Perry Bills Feds for Illegal Immigration"
Patterico at Patterico's Pontifications ("Harangues that Just Make Sense") seconded Gov. Perry's question.
Money quote(s):
"From California’a Prop. 187 to Arizona’s more recent laws, the federal government is forever fighting state laws that regulate illegal immigration, arguing that controlling immigration is a purely federal responsibility.
So when the federal government fails to discharge that responsibility, why should the financial consequences of that failure fall on the border states?"
CAA is just a poor (but honest) consular officer.
Like many in that line of work, considering the many hours of my life devoted to implementing the Department of State's side of the legal immigration (and non-immigration) equation, I find it absolutely maddening when read about how some on the other side of that equation just throw up their hands and simply fail to carry out their professional responsibilities with regards to immigration.
Is the oath-of-office sworn by these federal employees in any way demonstrably different from the one FSOs swear?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
re: "Ten Things You Should Know About the State Department and USAID"
Thomas R. Nides, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, at DipNote ("U.S. Department of State Official Blog") had a good piece about things you likely don't know.
Money quote(s):
"Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates used to say that the Department of Defense has as many people in military bands as the State Department has in the Foreign Service."
The other sound bite factoid is that the DoD has more lawyers than the State Department has diplomats. I've never seen anyone even attempt to dispute either statement.
"2. We support American citizens abroad. In the past eight months, we provided emergency assistance to, or helped coordinate travel to safe locations for, American citizens in Japan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Cote d'Ivoire in the wake of natural disasters or civil unrest. Last year, we assisted in 11,000 international adoptions and worked on over 1,100 new child abduction cases -- resulting in the return of 485 American children."
I was going to follow this up with an excerpt from the State Department's "mission statement" that presents consular activities such as protecting-Americans-abroad as one of the core missions of the Department, but all I can currently find is some blather from the Bureau of Resource Management about "Shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere."
Huh? (Which is to say: OFFS! WTF?)
(Okay: where did the real mission statement go? I've seen it before.... )
At least CA still has a real mission statement:
"The mission of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is to protect the lives and interests of American citizens abroad and to strengthen the security of United States borders through the vigilant adjudication of visas and passports. CA contributes significantly to the USG goal of promoting international exchange and understanding. Our vision is to help American citizens engage the world. The Bureau issues the travel documents that allow Americans to travel the globe and lawful immigrants and visitors to travel to America and provides essential cycle of life services to American citizens overseas."
D/S Nides continued:
"9. We help Americans see the world. In 2010, we issued 14 million passports for Americans to travel abroad. We facilitate the lawful travel of students, tourists and business people, including issuing more than 700,000 visas for foreign students to study in the U.S. last year. And, if a storm could disrupt your vacation plans or if you could get sick from drinking the water, we alert you through our travel warnings."
Yeah. Stuff like that. Facilitate legitimate travel. Provide accurate and timely travel information and cautions. Get some.
"10. We are the face of America overseas. Our diplomats, development experts, and the programs they implement are the source of American leadership around the world. They are the embodiments of our American values abroad. They are a force for good in the world."
Development experts.... Sadly, D/S Nides' statement continues the conflation and assimilation of State and USAID. CAA remains wholly unconvinced that this is all that great a good idea.
That being said, U.S. diplomats serving at our far-flung embassies, consulate, and other missions abroad are often the first, if not the only, representatives of either/both the U.S. government or the American people who most non-Americans abroad will ever encounter in person.
And our powers should only be used for good.
D/S Nides concluded:
"All of this (and more) costs the American taxpayer about one percent of the overall federal budget. That is a small investment that yields a large return by advancing our national security, promoting our economic interests, and reaffirming our country's exceptional role in the world."
It's a truism (or "truthism") that most American citizens have a vast overestimation of just how much of the federal budget goes to either diplomacy or to foreign aid. Even when you throw in what the DoD spends or military aid, it's still a drop in the eye dropper compared to the rest of the "discretionary spending" and "entitlements."
(Oh, and this presumes that there is a budget, something which has not been true for several years now.)
8/26
Money quote(s):
"Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates used to say that the Department of Defense has as many people in military bands as the State Department has in the Foreign Service."
The other sound bite factoid is that the DoD has more lawyers than the State Department has diplomats. I've never seen anyone even attempt to dispute either statement.
"2. We support American citizens abroad. In the past eight months, we provided emergency assistance to, or helped coordinate travel to safe locations for, American citizens in Japan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Cote d'Ivoire in the wake of natural disasters or civil unrest. Last year, we assisted in 11,000 international adoptions and worked on over 1,100 new child abduction cases -- resulting in the return of 485 American children."
I was going to follow this up with an excerpt from the State Department's "mission statement" that presents consular activities such as protecting-Americans-abroad as one of the core missions of the Department, but all I can currently find is some blather from the Bureau of Resource Management about "Shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere."
Huh? (Which is to say: OFFS! WTF?)
(Okay: where did the real mission statement go? I've seen it before.... )
At least CA still has a real mission statement:
"The mission of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is to protect the lives and interests of American citizens abroad and to strengthen the security of United States borders through the vigilant adjudication of visas and passports. CA contributes significantly to the USG goal of promoting international exchange and understanding. Our vision is to help American citizens engage the world. The Bureau issues the travel documents that allow Americans to travel the globe and lawful immigrants and visitors to travel to America and provides essential cycle of life services to American citizens overseas."
D/S Nides continued:
"9. We help Americans see the world. In 2010, we issued 14 million passports for Americans to travel abroad. We facilitate the lawful travel of students, tourists and business people, including issuing more than 700,000 visas for foreign students to study in the U.S. last year. And, if a storm could disrupt your vacation plans or if you could get sick from drinking the water, we alert you through our travel warnings."
Yeah. Stuff like that. Facilitate legitimate travel. Provide accurate and timely travel information and cautions. Get some.
"10. We are the face of America overseas. Our diplomats, development experts, and the programs they implement are the source of American leadership around the world. They are the embodiments of our American values abroad. They are a force for good in the world."
Development experts.... Sadly, D/S Nides' statement continues the conflation and assimilation of State and USAID. CAA remains wholly unconvinced that this is all that great a good idea.
That being said, U.S. diplomats serving at our far-flung embassies, consulate, and other missions abroad are often the first, if not the only, representatives of either/both the U.S. government or the American people who most non-Americans abroad will ever encounter in person.
And our powers should only be used for good.
D/S Nides concluded:
"All of this (and more) costs the American taxpayer about one percent of the overall federal budget. That is a small investment that yields a large return by advancing our national security, promoting our economic interests, and reaffirming our country's exceptional role in the world."
It's a truism (or "truthism") that most American citizens have a vast overestimation of just how much of the federal budget goes to either diplomacy or to foreign aid. Even when you throw in what the DoD spends or military aid, it's still a drop in the eye dropper compared to the rest of the "discretionary spending" and "entitlements."
(Oh, and this presumes that there is a budget, something which has not been true for several years now.)
8/26
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
re: "The Margins of the Upper Limits"
Sass and Sweet ("In Search of a Better Exchange Rate... Observations about life as a Diplomat.") has finished her consular assignment.
Money quote(s):
"I *love* Visa work. I find it fascinating. I enjoy the contact with different people from different walks of life. One of my co-workers self-refers to himself as a "rules based life form". I get that. I like doing a job where I can "interpret the law"."
That is kind of cool. There's the law. 8 U.S.C. The INA. There's the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM). Plus Department cables providing explanatory guidance.
But "at the end of the day," it's just you, your understanding of the laws and regulations, the visa applicant, and your assessment of how that person's (and you should never forget that applicant's personhood and individual dignity) unique situation and purpose of travel. So it comes down to exercising your powers of judgment.
Sass goes on to provide some humorous indicators.
"You know you're on your home stretch when....
1.) Every time you ask someone why they are travelling to the US and to explain their plans - and they answer: "to travel" - you begin to imagine having a red button next to your desk which, when pushed, opens up a shoot below the applicant leading to a shark pond.
2.) Every time you ask someone about their previous refusal they answer: "not enough document" - you begin to imagine a red button next to your desk which, when pushed, opens up a shoot below the applicant leading to a shark pond.
3.) Every time you ask someone to describe the work they do they answer: "business" - you begin to imagine... well, you get the idea.
4.) Every time the "interpreter" refuses to interpret because they think the question is dumb - you begin to imagine ......
5.) Every time someone says "that [crime] shouldn't count, I'm only going to Vegas..."
6.) Every time someone says ...
Ok, I'll stop now - I think I've reached the burn out point and it's time for a break. Plus, I'm committed to following and obeying the law - I suppose "dropping people into shark pits" is probably outside the bounds of the law.
I will absolutely miss Visas. Probably. Maybe. Someday. (Oh, I will - they are in my blood....) - but not for a while."
We used to say that it's a good thing the bullet-resistant windows work both ways.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
JO - Jamaicans overseas and the extradition affair
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Jamaicans overseas and the extradition affair
BY Delano Franklyn
Saturday, May 08, 2010
AS it is in Jamaica, the most talked about issue currently among Jamaicans living abroad is the extradition request for Christopher Coke, and how it has been, and is being handled by the Bruce Golding-led administration.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"This issue has pushed the divestment of Air Jamaica to the number two position on the list of concerns by Jamaicans living outside Jamaica. While being severely critical of the burial of Air Jamaica by the Government, they have resigned their minds to the fact that despite the attempts of the pilots to keep Air Jamaica in Jamaican hands, the Government, as demanded by the International Monetary Fund, had no option, or was not prepared to consider any other option, but to conclude the deal with Caribbean Airlines.
Some members of the Diaspora in the New York asked why are some members of the JLP Government — for whom they have a lot of respect — such as (from left) Dr Kenneth Baugh, Delroy Chuck, Dwight Nelson, Edmund Bartlett, and Rudyard Spencer silent on the extradition matter."
"Why has the prime minister seen it fit to be leading the defence of a man who is being sought by the State Department for drug- and gun-running?"
"Are (sic) the prime minister prepared to sacrifice his political career as a result of this extradition issue because the person for whom the extradition has been made is a leading member of his own constituency and an alleged 'powerbroker' in the party which he leads?
* Is the prime minister and the other members of his team afraid of what the person whose extradition request is being sought might possibly say about the involvement in criminal activities of any other well-known person or persons in Jamaica?"
&
"The members of the diasporic community, rightly or wrongly, no different from persons living in Jamaica, are not making and seem not to be prepared to delink the issues. They see, for example, the revocation of the visa of Wayne Chen and the entertainers as being linked to the tightening of the screws against Jamaica and Jamaicans because of the Government's refusal to honour the extradition request.
As a result of this view, many Jamaicans living overseas, as well as inside Jamaica are afraid to travel out of fear that they will be told that their visa has been revoked. One middle-class professional who has developed a distinguished career in the area of health in Baltimore, told me that she always visited Jamaica yearly, but she has no plans to visit until this impasse is settled.
A young man in the teaching profession in New York said that he will be visiting Jamaica in July this year and he is extremely fearful that his visa may be revoked when he is returning to the USA; and one Jamaican living in the Hartford area of Connecticut said he knows not what to make of the situation because, if 'Mr Chen's visa can be revoked without prior notice, so can mine', so he is not taking the chance to travel to Jamaica any time soon."
Jamaica Observer
Jamaicans overseas and the extradition affair
BY Delano Franklyn
Saturday, May 08, 2010
AS it is in Jamaica, the most talked about issue currently among Jamaicans living abroad is the extradition request for Christopher Coke, and how it has been, and is being handled by the Bruce Golding-led administration.
Read the whole column here.
Snippet(s):
"This issue has pushed the divestment of Air Jamaica to the number two position on the list of concerns by Jamaicans living outside Jamaica. While being severely critical of the burial of Air Jamaica by the Government, they have resigned their minds to the fact that despite the attempts of the pilots to keep Air Jamaica in Jamaican hands, the Government, as demanded by the International Monetary Fund, had no option, or was not prepared to consider any other option, but to conclude the deal with Caribbean Airlines.
Some members of the Diaspora in the New York asked why are some members of the JLP Government — for whom they have a lot of respect — such as (from left) Dr Kenneth Baugh, Delroy Chuck, Dwight Nelson, Edmund Bartlett, and Rudyard Spencer silent on the extradition matter."
"Why has the prime minister seen it fit to be leading the defence of a man who is being sought by the State Department for drug- and gun-running?"
"Are (sic) the prime minister prepared to sacrifice his political career as a result of this extradition issue because the person for whom the extradition has been made is a leading member of his own constituency and an alleged 'powerbroker' in the party which he leads?
* Is the prime minister and the other members of his team afraid of what the person whose extradition request is being sought might possibly say about the involvement in criminal activities of any other well-known person or persons in Jamaica?"
&
"The members of the diasporic community, rightly or wrongly, no different from persons living in Jamaica, are not making and seem not to be prepared to delink the issues. They see, for example, the revocation of the visa of Wayne Chen and the entertainers as being linked to the tightening of the screws against Jamaica and Jamaicans because of the Government's refusal to honour the extradition request.
As a result of this view, many Jamaicans living overseas, as well as inside Jamaica are afraid to travel out of fear that they will be told that their visa has been revoked. One middle-class professional who has developed a distinguished career in the area of health in Baltimore, told me that she always visited Jamaica yearly, but she has no plans to visit until this impasse is settled.
A young man in the teaching profession in New York said that he will be visiting Jamaica in July this year and he is extremely fearful that his visa may be revoked when he is returning to the USA; and one Jamaican living in the Hartford area of Connecticut said he knows not what to make of the situation because, if 'Mr Chen's visa can be revoked without prior notice, so can mine', so he is not taking the chance to travel to Jamaica any time soon."
Thursday, May 13, 2010
CNS News.Com - Obama Freezes Budget for Program Designed to Stop Terrorists from Getting U.S. Visas
From my archive of press clippings:
CNS
Obama Freezes Budget for Program Designed to Stop Terrorists from Getting U.S. Visas
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
By Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer
This Dec. 2009 photo released by the U.S. Marshal's Service on Monday Dec. 28, 2009 shows Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in Milan, Mich. Abdulmutallab, 23, is charged with trying to detonate an explosive device on a Dec. 25 flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. (AP Photo/U.S. Marshal's Service)
(CNSNews.com) – Four months after the attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Flight 253 over Detroit and nine years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, only 14 of the 57 U.S. consulates identified as being at “high risk” for potentially providing visas to terrorists have been furnished with units of the Department of Homeland Security’s Visa Security Program (VSP).
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"President Barack Obama, meanwhile, is planning to freeze the program’s budget for fiscal 2011.
The VSP, established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, puts Department of Homeland Security officials in the field at U.S. consulates to vet the backgrounds of people applying for U.S. visas. DHS uses a broader range of databases than the State Department to review the backgrounds of visa applicants. Also, many policymakers believe DHS officials tend to be more security-minded than State Department consular officers when reviewing visa applications.
While administration officials have said publicly that five additional VSP units should be in place at high risk consulates by the end of 2011, President Barack Obama’s fiscal Year 2011 budget for DHS--submitted almost two months after the Christmas Day bombing attempt—does not increase funding for the program from its fiscal 2010 level."
&
"Congressional sources told CNSNews.com that Yemen and Jerusalem are believed to be among the four planned VSP units to be deployed in 2010. The visa-issuing process and the progress of the VSP came under scrutiny after the failed Christmas Day attack Northwest Flight 253, when the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held hearings on the incident. At the April 21 hearing, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), chairman of the committee, said the Obama administration was not making the expansion of VSP a priority. “Here’s why I reached that conclusion,” Lieberman (I-Conn.) said. “DHS and the State Department have identified 57 high-risk consular posts around the world – that’s out of 200 posts that issue visas. But only 14 of those have received … Visa Security Program offices.”"
CNS
Obama Freezes Budget for Program Designed to Stop Terrorists from Getting U.S. Visas
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
By Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer
This Dec. 2009 photo released by the U.S. Marshal's Service on Monday Dec. 28, 2009 shows Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in Milan, Mich. Abdulmutallab, 23, is charged with trying to detonate an explosive device on a Dec. 25 flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. (AP Photo/U.S. Marshal's Service)
(CNSNews.com) – Four months after the attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Flight 253 over Detroit and nine years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, only 14 of the 57 U.S. consulates identified as being at “high risk” for potentially providing visas to terrorists have been furnished with units of the Department of Homeland Security’s Visa Security Program (VSP).
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"President Barack Obama, meanwhile, is planning to freeze the program’s budget for fiscal 2011.
The VSP, established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, puts Department of Homeland Security officials in the field at U.S. consulates to vet the backgrounds of people applying for U.S. visas. DHS uses a broader range of databases than the State Department to review the backgrounds of visa applicants. Also, many policymakers believe DHS officials tend to be more security-minded than State Department consular officers when reviewing visa applications.
While administration officials have said publicly that five additional VSP units should be in place at high risk consulates by the end of 2011, President Barack Obama’s fiscal Year 2011 budget for DHS--submitted almost two months after the Christmas Day bombing attempt—does not increase funding for the program from its fiscal 2010 level."
&
"Congressional sources told CNSNews.com that Yemen and Jerusalem are believed to be among the four planned VSP units to be deployed in 2010. The visa-issuing process and the progress of the VSP came under scrutiny after the failed Christmas Day attack Northwest Flight 253, when the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held hearings on the incident. At the April 21 hearing, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), chairman of the committee, said the Obama administration was not making the expansion of VSP a priority. “Here’s why I reached that conclusion,” Lieberman (I-Conn.) said. “DHS and the State Department have identified 57 high-risk consular posts around the world – that’s out of 200 posts that issue visas. But only 14 of those have received … Visa Security Program offices.”"
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
HC - Investor visas for Mexicans shortened. Change to only one year comes as a big surprise.
From my archive of press clippings:
Houston Chronicle
Investor visas for Mexicans shortened
Change to only one year comes as a big surprise
By DAVID HENDRICKS
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
April 8, 2010, 9:41PM
See a list of U.S. visas' validity terms for Mexicans: www.travel.state.gov/visa
The State Department has quietly changed its policy on many of its visas for Mexicans, reducing the amount of time those visas are valid from the three to five years that had been common to one year.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The changes would apply mostly to visas for Mexicans who own, or want to own, businesses and houses here and who do not intend to immigrate."
"Mexicans in the United States on E-1 and E-2 visas, which require putting their investment money at risk in U.S. businesses, will have to prove each year that their businesses are viable, said immigration lawyer John Meyer, partner in the Houston-based FosterQuan firm that operates a San Antonio office.
The change applies both to Mexicans seeking to come to the U.S. and to Mexicans already in the U.S. and seeking visa renewals."
&
"The State Department said the policy was changed to conform to the reciprocity agreement it has with Mexico. For years, Mexico's work visas for U.S. citizens were good for one year.
When Mexico recently decided to raise its visa fees for U.S. citizens, the U.S. State Department decided to remove the multi-year option from the visas it gives to Mexicans, a spokesman said."
dhendricks@express-news.net
Houston Chronicle
Investor visas for Mexicans shortened
Change to only one year comes as a big surprise
By DAVID HENDRICKS
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
April 8, 2010, 9:41PM
See a list of U.S. visas' validity terms for Mexicans: www.travel.state.gov/visa
The State Department has quietly changed its policy on many of its visas for Mexicans, reducing the amount of time those visas are valid from the three to five years that had been common to one year.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The changes would apply mostly to visas for Mexicans who own, or want to own, businesses and houses here and who do not intend to immigrate."
"Mexicans in the United States on E-1 and E-2 visas, which require putting their investment money at risk in U.S. businesses, will have to prove each year that their businesses are viable, said immigration lawyer John Meyer, partner in the Houston-based FosterQuan firm that operates a San Antonio office.
The change applies both to Mexicans seeking to come to the U.S. and to Mexicans already in the U.S. and seeking visa renewals."
&
"The State Department said the policy was changed to conform to the reciprocity agreement it has with Mexico. For years, Mexico's work visas for U.S. citizens were good for one year.
When Mexico recently decided to raise its visa fees for U.S. citizens, the U.S. State Department decided to remove the multi-year option from the visas it gives to Mexicans, a spokesman said."
dhendricks@express-news.net
Saturday, April 3, 2010
WT - LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Don't issue visas to terror-group supporters
From my archive of press clippings:
Washington Times
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Don't issue visas to terror-group supporters
Washington Times
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Don't issue visas to terror-group supporters
Friday, February 26, 2010
All of the Sept. 11 terrorists and the Christmas Day bombing suspect were issued visas by U.S. consular officers in the Middle East or Europe.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Before the Immigration Act of 1996, foreigners who were a security risk were denied tourist, student and business visas to the United States. This 1996 legislation was enacted into law by members of both major political parties and signed by the president.
Sponsored by the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who wrote immigration legislation for 40 years, the Immigration Act stated that "mere membership" in a terrorist organization was not a sufficient basis for denying an applicant a visa. On June 10, 2002, then-Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage wrote that believing "an applicant may pose a threat to national security ... is insufficient grounds for a consular officer to deny a visa to an applicant.""
_____
MARGARET NAST
Las Cruces, N.M.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
JW - Hacking Through The Red Tape
From my archive of press clippings:
The Jewish Week
Hacking Through The Red Tape
12/08/2009
The State Department’s travel information Web site is an essential first step for those planning a trip.
by Hilary Larson
Travel Writer
As I planned my winter travels recently, I found myself mired in a sea of red tape. There were visa requirements to sort out, length-of-stay restrictions to double check, passports to renew. What struck me was how difficult it can be to find the information you need — and how common misconceptions can get you into trouble.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"For anybody planning a trip, the essential first step is to visit the travel information Web site maintained by the United States government: www.travel.state.gov. It has a comprehensive section on passports and visas, and a travel information page for each country in the world, with clearly stated entry and exit requirements. (There is also a list of updated travel warnings for dicey destinations, which read like the plot of an action movie: grim recounts of explosions, killings and terrorist activity.)"
The Jewish Week
Hacking Through The Red Tape
12/08/2009
The State Department’s travel information Web site is an essential first step for those planning a trip.
by Hilary Larson
Travel Writer
As I planned my winter travels recently, I found myself mired in a sea of red tape. There were visa requirements to sort out, length-of-stay restrictions to double check, passports to renew. What struck me was how difficult it can be to find the information you need — and how common misconceptions can get you into trouble.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"For anybody planning a trip, the essential first step is to visit the travel information Web site maintained by the United States government: www.travel.state.gov. It has a comprehensive section on passports and visas, and a travel information page for each country in the world, with clearly stated entry and exit requirements. (There is also a list of updated travel warnings for dicey destinations, which read like the plot of an action movie: grim recounts of explosions, killings and terrorist activity.)"
Monday, March 29, 2010
NC34 - Schumer Unveils New Legislation To Cut Off These Visas For Citizens of 14 Countries Deemed Dangerous
From my archive of press clippings:
NC34
Schumer Unveils New Legislation To Cut Off These Visas For Citizens of 14 Countries Deemed Dangerous
Last Update: 1/25 10:34 am
From Young,Max (Schumer):
SCHUMER REVEALS: FOREIGNERS FROM TROUBLE SPOTS CAN STILL GET LONG TERM VISAS THAT ALLOW THEM TO COME TO U.S. NO QUESTIONS ASKED
Nigerian Bomber Used ‘Revolving Door’ Visa That Allowed Unlimited Entry To U.S.—Seven 9/11 Hijackers Entered Country Same Way
Schumer Unveils New Legislation To Cut Off These Visas For Citizens of 14 Countries Deemed Dangerous
Schumer Also To Grant State Dept. Unfettered Access To Largest Version of Terrorist Databases; Would Block Visas From Being Issued To Any Name Appearing on List
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer revealed Wednesday that the foiled Christmas Day terrorist plot could have been avoided if not for a tourist visa that allowed the would-be bomber unlimited entry to the United States in spite of countless signs that he was a security threat. To fix this, Schumer announced that he would propose strict limits on the type of open-ended visa that allowed the suspect to board a U.S.-bound plane. Schumer’s plan would require, for the first time, citizens of 14 countries identified as security threats by the Obama administration to apply for permission each time they wish to visit the United States rather than enter at will by virtue of so-called “revolving door” visas that stay valid for years at a time.
Read the whole article here.
NC34
Schumer Unveils New Legislation To Cut Off These Visas For Citizens of 14 Countries Deemed Dangerous
Last Update: 1/25 10:34 am
From Young,Max (Schumer):
SCHUMER REVEALS: FOREIGNERS FROM TROUBLE SPOTS CAN STILL GET LONG TERM VISAS THAT ALLOW THEM TO COME TO U.S. NO QUESTIONS ASKED
Nigerian Bomber Used ‘Revolving Door’ Visa That Allowed Unlimited Entry To U.S.—Seven 9/11 Hijackers Entered Country Same Way
Schumer Unveils New Legislation To Cut Off These Visas For Citizens of 14 Countries Deemed Dangerous
Schumer Also To Grant State Dept. Unfettered Access To Largest Version of Terrorist Databases; Would Block Visas From Being Issued To Any Name Appearing on List
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer revealed Wednesday that the foiled Christmas Day terrorist plot could have been avoided if not for a tourist visa that allowed the would-be bomber unlimited entry to the United States in spite of countless signs that he was a security threat. To fix this, Schumer announced that he would propose strict limits on the type of open-ended visa that allowed the suspect to board a U.S.-bound plane. Schumer’s plan would require, for the first time, citizens of 14 countries identified as security threats by the Obama administration to apply for permission each time they wish to visit the United States rather than enter at will by virtue of so-called “revolving door” visas that stay valid for years at a time.
Read the whole article here.
Friday, March 26, 2010
JO - Revoke visas of politicians, unscrupulous businessmen
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Revoke visas of politicians, unscrupulous businessmen
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Dear Editor,
The stink of Jamaica's corruption, to which most at home have grown accustomed, has finally begun to wrinkle the noses of our neighbours. While out of one side of our mouth we bemoan the depths to which we have sunk and wonder how we got this far, out of the other side we will call hellfire to rain down on anyone, any agency that dares to point out our shortcomings. Some of us will continue pretending we don't know the reason for Operation Visa Revocation, which seems to be the latest US "tough love" strategy designed to steer us off the path of delinquency and criminality.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Well, since we have been afraid to tag our big fish and call out our "players", the US is tagging them for us, and not even our duly elected leaders can take the pressure. After hearing about "the list", I can only imagine the mounting stress that some folks are going through, whether they have green card, citizenship or non-immigrant visa, since they don't have a clue what the US knows about the shady activities in their past, and if they will be disgraced."
"The mystery police superintendent whose visa has been revoked is said to have been under investigation for corruption, yet he is squealing for his lawyer to negotiate with the US regarding his visa."
"By now those in high places should realise that the US visa is not their right, and that their privileged status in that banana republic will not afford them any special privileges in the republic to the north. But why is the identity of the superintendent being protected by the media? Would his life be in danger if he were exposed?
The media should not aid in obstructing the lesson to be learnt from all this: one vital to other members of the force and the civilian population who think of the US as their alternate option when they run afoul of the law at home and need a hideout."
"The US is doing a great service for our nation."
&
"It is my fervent hope that the US will revoke the visa of every last politician and unscrupulous businessman in that miserable little island, until they realise it's all they have, and who knows, perhaps they'll begin to treat the citizens and the country with more respect."
Hunter Gray
Populierenlaan
Krimpen a/d IJssel
Netherlands
grayhunter19@yahoo.com
Jamaica Observer
Revoke visas of politicians, unscrupulous businessmen
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Dear Editor,
The stink of Jamaica's corruption, to which most at home have grown accustomed, has finally begun to wrinkle the noses of our neighbours. While out of one side of our mouth we bemoan the depths to which we have sunk and wonder how we got this far, out of the other side we will call hellfire to rain down on anyone, any agency that dares to point out our shortcomings. Some of us will continue pretending we don't know the reason for Operation Visa Revocation, which seems to be the latest US "tough love" strategy designed to steer us off the path of delinquency and criminality.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Well, since we have been afraid to tag our big fish and call out our "players", the US is tagging them for us, and not even our duly elected leaders can take the pressure. After hearing about "the list", I can only imagine the mounting stress that some folks are going through, whether they have green card, citizenship or non-immigrant visa, since they don't have a clue what the US knows about the shady activities in their past, and if they will be disgraced."
"The mystery police superintendent whose visa has been revoked is said to have been under investigation for corruption, yet he is squealing for his lawyer to negotiate with the US regarding his visa."
"By now those in high places should realise that the US visa is not their right, and that their privileged status in that banana republic will not afford them any special privileges in the republic to the north. But why is the identity of the superintendent being protected by the media? Would his life be in danger if he were exposed?
The media should not aid in obstructing the lesson to be learnt from all this: one vital to other members of the force and the civilian population who think of the US as their alternate option when they run afoul of the law at home and need a hideout."
"The US is doing a great service for our nation."
&
"It is my fervent hope that the US will revoke the visa of every last politician and unscrupulous businessman in that miserable little island, until they realise it's all they have, and who knows, perhaps they'll begin to treat the citizens and the country with more respect."
Hunter Gray
Populierenlaan
Krimpen a/d IJssel
Netherlands
grayhunter19@yahoo.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
MH - Injured Haitian children win humanitarian visas to the U.S.
From my archive of press clippings:
Miami Herald
Posted on Thursday, 01.21.10
Injured Haitian children win humanitarian visas to the U.S.
Injured Haitian children win humanitarian visas to the U.S.
As many as 260 injured Haitian children will be eligible to travel to the United States for life-saving medical care, thanks to a Miami doctor and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
The youngest earthquake victims are being granted humanitarian visas so long as a doctor in Haiti deems that the child will die without advanced medical care. Immigration officials could follow the doctor's advice in issuing the exit visas.
By LUISA YANEZ
lyanez@MiamiHerald.com
Some 200 injured Haitian children -- the largest group to be given passage to the U.S. without adoptive parents -- will travel to Florida for life-saving medical care, thanks to a Miami doctor and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
Read the whole article here.
Miami Herald
Posted on Thursday, 01.21.10
Injured Haitian children win humanitarian visas to the U.S.
Injured Haitian children win humanitarian visas to the U.S.
As many as 260 injured Haitian children will be eligible to travel to the United States for life-saving medical care, thanks to a Miami doctor and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
The youngest earthquake victims are being granted humanitarian visas so long as a doctor in Haiti deems that the child will die without advanced medical care. Immigration officials could follow the doctor's advice in issuing the exit visas.
By LUISA YANEZ
lyanez@MiamiHerald.com
Some 200 injured Haitian children -- the largest group to be given passage to the U.S. without adoptive parents -- will travel to Florida for life-saving medical care, thanks to a Miami doctor and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
Read the whole article here.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
ET - Indian talent helps Silicon Valley: US think tank
From my archive of press clippings:
Economic Times
Indian talent helps Silicon Valley: US think tank
3 Dec 2009, 2235 hrs IST, IANS
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA: Global technology and innovation hub Silicon Valley needs "Indian talent and entrepreneurial energy" to build powerful businesses, according to a economic and policy think tank in the US.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"According to the 300-page report, the research institutions and technology companies in Silicon Valley and its risk-taking culture will work better when juxtaposed with Indian talent and entrepreneurial energy.
However, the council warned that the present visa and immigration policies of the US restricted access to global talent.
"US visa and immigration policy unnecessarily restricts access to global talent, fails to compete aggressively for top foreign students and researchers, and discourages them from staying to contribute to the economy," said the report.
This leads students and recent immigrants to return home, especially at a juncture when India is no more a destination for lower-end-work as against the innovation streams in the Valley, it added."
Economic Times
Indian talent helps Silicon Valley: US think tank
3 Dec 2009, 2235 hrs IST, IANS
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA: Global technology and innovation hub Silicon Valley needs "Indian talent and entrepreneurial energy" to build powerful businesses, according to a economic and policy think tank in the US.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"According to the 300-page report, the research institutions and technology companies in Silicon Valley and its risk-taking culture will work better when juxtaposed with Indian talent and entrepreneurial energy.
However, the council warned that the present visa and immigration policies of the US restricted access to global talent.
"US visa and immigration policy unnecessarily restricts access to global talent, fails to compete aggressively for top foreign students and researchers, and discourages them from staying to contribute to the economy," said the report.
This leads students and recent immigrants to return home, especially at a juncture when India is no more a destination for lower-end-work as against the innovation streams in the Valley, it added."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
WT - MOWBRAY: It's the visas, stupid. State Department can't treat travel to U.S. like a civil right.
From my archive of press clippings:
Washington Times
MOWBRAY: It's the visas, stupid
State Department can't treat travel to U.S. like a civil right
By Joel Mowbray
_____
Joel Mowbray is an investigative journalist living in New York City.
Washington Times
MOWBRAY: It's the visas, stupid
State Department can't treat travel to U.S. like a civil right
By Joel Mowbray
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tucked away in a single paragraph near the end of the declassified preliminary report on the failed Christmas Day terrorist attack is the key fact glossed over by most in media and the government: Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab had a valid visa when he boarded his Detroit-bound flight.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"(T)he State Department has barely budged its default position that visas are to be issued unless they have a clear reason to deny applications."
"This suicidally legalistic approach does not owe to President Obama or previous political leadership, but rather to the long-held institutional mindset of the State Department. Using a questionable legal interpretation, State's position has been that a visa must be issued to qualified applicants, with denials only possible with specific, credible proof that someone can be deemed a security threat.
But unlike in a court of law, foreigners wishing to enter the U.S. should not be presumed innocent.
Moreover, denial of the privilege to come to the U.S. is not reviewable, and it can be made unilaterally by State. Yet it is State who pushes to issue visas to those who raise red flags, but don't quite belong on the terrorist watchlist."
&
"Any probable cause of terrorist connections needs to result in visa denials and revocations unless the evidence can be disproved or reasonably deemed illegitimate. Even when we have no specific information, as was the case with most of the Sept. 11 terrorists, State should enforce the visa laws as strictly with young Muslim men from known terrorist hotspots as it does with poor (or even middle-class) Filipinos.
But for State to enforce existing law and err on the side of security, the department must undergo a complete about-face from its current operating procedures. If Mr. Obama is as serious as he purports to be, however, he must demand nothing less."
_____
Joel Mowbray is an investigative journalist living in New York City.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
NSN - Put Homeland Security in charge of issuing visas
From my archive of press clippings:
The North Star National
Put Homeland Security in charge of issuing visas
January 10th, 2010
Gregory D. Lee
On December 30, 2009, I was a guest on a Monterey, California radio talk show discussing the events leading to the Christmas Day capture of a Nigerian national who attempted to detonate a bomb aboard a Detroit bound U.S. airliner.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"I reasoned that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent with real world experience would do a better job of screening foreign nationals who never intend to return home or have ill will towards the U.S."
&
"(I)t’s time the State Department get out of the visa business since it is incapable of just saying “no!”
A U.S. visa is not a guarantee of entry into the United States. Immigration authorities still have the ability to deny entry and send the traveler back to his home country. Someone with an ICE-scrutinized visa would stand a much better chance of entering the country. Giving ICE total responsibility for visas and immigration eliminates an entire layer of government bureaucracy and increases accountability.
Half of all illegal immigrants in the U.S. are “visa overstays.” Most of these people are not Mexican nationals. They come from all over the world to take advantage of the economic opportunities this country has to offer without bothering to apply for a work visa or permanent residence status. All these people receive pay under the counter or use stolen Social Security numbers to avoid detection. Some marry U.S. citizens and seek legal status by playing on the sympathy of others.
An ICE agent with immigration enforcement experience would do a superior job of screening these people compared to a newly hired, recent college grad foreign service officer who thinks the entire world is entitled to a U.S. visa. ICE agents would have instant access to their own databases and those of other law enforcement agencies to check the names of visa applicants. The next time a father visits a U.S. embassy to report that his radicalized Muslim son has a valid U.S. visa and recently visited Yemen, an ICE agent could immediately enter the person’s name on the no-fly and terrorism watch lists. He wouldn’t have to write endless cables to Washington to seek permission. He could cancel the visa on the spot and share the information with the airlines, CIA, Interpol and the FBI. These are things the State Department hesitates to do. It has a culture that firmly believes law enforcement and diplomacy don’t mix, and I agree."
_____
Gregory D. Lee is a syndicated columnist for The North Star National. You can reach him through his website: www.gregorydlee.com
The North Star National
Put Homeland Security in charge of issuing visas
January 10th, 2010
Gregory D. Lee
On December 30, 2009, I was a guest on a Monterey, California radio talk show discussing the events leading to the Christmas Day capture of a Nigerian national who attempted to detonate a bomb aboard a Detroit bound U.S. airliner.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"I reasoned that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent with real world experience would do a better job of screening foreign nationals who never intend to return home or have ill will towards the U.S."
&
"(I)t’s time the State Department get out of the visa business since it is incapable of just saying “no!”
A U.S. visa is not a guarantee of entry into the United States. Immigration authorities still have the ability to deny entry and send the traveler back to his home country. Someone with an ICE-scrutinized visa would stand a much better chance of entering the country. Giving ICE total responsibility for visas and immigration eliminates an entire layer of government bureaucracy and increases accountability.
Half of all illegal immigrants in the U.S. are “visa overstays.” Most of these people are not Mexican nationals. They come from all over the world to take advantage of the economic opportunities this country has to offer without bothering to apply for a work visa or permanent residence status. All these people receive pay under the counter or use stolen Social Security numbers to avoid detection. Some marry U.S. citizens and seek legal status by playing on the sympathy of others.
An ICE agent with immigration enforcement experience would do a superior job of screening these people compared to a newly hired, recent college grad foreign service officer who thinks the entire world is entitled to a U.S. visa. ICE agents would have instant access to their own databases and those of other law enforcement agencies to check the names of visa applicants. The next time a father visits a U.S. embassy to report that his radicalized Muslim son has a valid U.S. visa and recently visited Yemen, an ICE agent could immediately enter the person’s name on the no-fly and terrorism watch lists. He wouldn’t have to write endless cables to Washington to seek permission. He could cancel the visa on the spot and share the information with the airlines, CIA, Interpol and the FBI. These are things the State Department hesitates to do. It has a culture that firmly believes law enforcement and diplomacy don’t mix, and I agree."
_____
Gregory D. Lee is a syndicated columnist for The North Star National. You can reach him through his website: www.gregorydlee.com
CT - Pall lifts along with AIDS travel ban
From my archive of press clippings:
Chicago Tribune
Pall lifts along with AIDS travel ban
Patients, families cheer lifting of U.S. AIDS travel ban
By Bonnie Miller Rubin Tribune reporter
December 1, 2009
Senora Desiree cries when she talks about her only son, who is HIV-positive. The fact that the 18-year-old has been barred from visiting Chicago only heaps humiliation on top of her pain.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):"
"President Barack Obama recently announced that the 22-year-old ban on entry into the United States for anyone infected with HIV/AIDS will be lifted in January, making life a bit easier for mothers such as Desiree, who did not want her full name used because of the stigma of having an HIV-positive relative."
"(T)he Immigration and Nationality Act denied visas to anyone with a "communicable disease of public health significance," adding HIV to the list, alongside other travel-restricted conditions, such as tuberculosis and leprosy."
"The ban meant those with HIV and AIDS were not allowed to enter the U.S. and noncitizens already here could not stay, dividing families and upending lives.
While Immigration officials have granted special waivers to some people with the illness, the process is complicated and expensive, attorneys say.
Only about a dozen countries -- including Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Libya -- have similar HIV travel restrictions."
"The CDC, however, was required by statute to uphold the ban, said Cetron, director of the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine."
&
"The process started during the Clinton administration, but picked up momentum under George W. Bush, eager to build a legacy around his HIV work. As a candidate, Obama pledged to keep up the fight, culminating in the White House ceremony a month ago when it was announced the ban would end Jan. 4."
_____
brubin@tribune.com
Chicago Tribune
Pall lifts along with AIDS travel ban
Patients, families cheer lifting of U.S. AIDS travel ban
By Bonnie Miller Rubin Tribune reporter
December 1, 2009
Senora Desiree cries when she talks about her only son, who is HIV-positive. The fact that the 18-year-old has been barred from visiting Chicago only heaps humiliation on top of her pain.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):"
"President Barack Obama recently announced that the 22-year-old ban on entry into the United States for anyone infected with HIV/AIDS will be lifted in January, making life a bit easier for mothers such as Desiree, who did not want her full name used because of the stigma of having an HIV-positive relative."
"(T)he Immigration and Nationality Act denied visas to anyone with a "communicable disease of public health significance," adding HIV to the list, alongside other travel-restricted conditions, such as tuberculosis and leprosy."
"The ban meant those with HIV and AIDS were not allowed to enter the U.S. and noncitizens already here could not stay, dividing families and upending lives.
While Immigration officials have granted special waivers to some people with the illness, the process is complicated and expensive, attorneys say.
Only about a dozen countries -- including Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Libya -- have similar HIV travel restrictions."
"The CDC, however, was required by statute to uphold the ban, said Cetron, director of the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine."
&
"The process started during the Clinton administration, but picked up momentum under George W. Bush, eager to build a legacy around his HIV work. As a candidate, Obama pledged to keep up the fight, culminating in the White House ceremony a month ago when it was announced the ban would end Jan. 4."
_____
brubin@tribune.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
HB - U.S. lifts travel ban on scholars
From my archive of press clippings:
Houston Belief
U.S. lifts travel ban on scholars
By DANIEL BURKE RELIGION NEWS SERVICE
Jan. 28, 2010, 5:56PM
WASHINGTON — The State Department said recently that two prominent Muslim intellectuals will no longer be barred from traveling to the U.S. based on past accusations that they had supported terrorism.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed orders allowing Tariq Ramadan and Adam Habib to reapply for U.S. visas, said State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley."
&
"He had donated about $1,000 to a Swiss-based charity that gave funds to Hamas, the militant Palestinian group, according to The New York Times, but denied knowledge of the charity's ties to Hamas."
Houston Belief
U.S. lifts travel ban on scholars
By DANIEL BURKE RELIGION NEWS SERVICE
Jan. 28, 2010, 5:56PM
WASHINGTON — The State Department said recently that two prominent Muslim intellectuals will no longer be barred from traveling to the U.S. based on past accusations that they had supported terrorism.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed orders allowing Tariq Ramadan and Adam Habib to reapply for U.S. visas, said State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley."
&
"He had donated about $1,000 to a Swiss-based charity that gave funds to Hamas, the militant Palestinian group, according to The New York Times, but denied knowledge of the charity's ties to Hamas."
AP - Paraguay named illegal immigrant to consular post
From my archive of press clippings:
AP
Paraguay named illegal immigrant to consular post
By PEDRO SERVIN (AP) – 4 days ago
ASUNCION, Paraguay — Paraguay named an undocumented U.S. immigrant to run its consulate in New York, discovering his illegal status only when the man returned home to get his diplomatic papers and was denied a U.S. visa.
Read the whole article here.
___
Associated Press Writer Cristian Salazar in New York contributed to this report.
(This version CORRECTS name to Centro Paraguayo, sted Casa Paraguaya)
AP
Paraguay named illegal immigrant to consular post
By PEDRO SERVIN (AP) – 4 days ago
ASUNCION, Paraguay — Paraguay named an undocumented U.S. immigrant to run its consulate in New York, discovering his illegal status only when the man returned home to get his diplomatic papers and was denied a U.S. visa.
Read the whole article here.
___
Associated Press Writer Cristian Salazar in New York contributed to this report.
(This version CORRECTS name to Centro Paraguayo, sted Casa Paraguaya)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
BW - H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again. Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa.
From my archive of press clippings:
Business Week
H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again
Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program
By Moira Herbst
April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST
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.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Business Week
H-1B Visa Law: Trying Again
Senators Dick Durbin and Charles Grassley plan to reintroduce legislation aimed at curbing abuses of the H-1B visa program
By Moira Herbst
April 24, 2009, 12:01AM EST
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.
Read the whole article here.
_____
Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek in New York.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
AVB - Warning about dodgy American visa websites
From my archive of press clippings:
American Visa Bureau
Warning about dodgy American visa websites
22 April 2009
The US Government is still lodging complaints that dodgy websites are making money from the free American visa system called the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"As of January this year, the US Government introduced a American visa replacement program for those travellers who do not officially require a visa to travel to America. This means that all nationals or citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who wish to travel to America for business or travel purposes for 90 days or less must obtain approval through the ESTA ."
_____
The American Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in American visa and immigration services.
American Visa Bureau
Warning about dodgy American visa websites
22 April 2009
The US Government is still lodging complaints that dodgy websites are making money from the free American visa system called the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"As of January this year, the US Government introduced a American visa replacement program for those travellers who do not officially require a visa to travel to America. This means that all nationals or citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who wish to travel to America for business or travel purposes for 90 days or less must obtain approval through the ESTA ."
_____
The American Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in American visa and immigration services.
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