Posted on 05/28/2004 5:32:16 AM PDT by Grzegorz 246
U.S. visas still contentious, but officials keep mum about dialog details
EU Interior Affairs Commissioner Antonio Vittorino once again appealed to the USA yesterday to waive entrance visas for the citizens of the new EU member countries.
While both Richard Boucher, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, and Pietro Petrucci, a spokesperson for the EU, refused to reveal any details of the talks, Rzeczpospolita has claimed the Americans are willing to take into account the fact that Poland and the other Central Europe entrants, have all joined up to the Schengen agreement concerning the waiving of the passport controls within the EU. Furthermore, according to Polish diplomats, citizens of this country will be able to enter the USA without requiring visas come 2007. Among 'old' EU members, only Greek citizens still require a visa to enter the USA.
This is a time in our history and the history of the world when we need to "tighten up" and not "loosen up." This has to be the craziest thing I've ever heard of.
"This is a time in our history and the history of the world when we need to "tighten up" and not "loosen up." This has to be the craziest thing I've ever heard of."
Sorry but I don't know what you mean.
Most Americans are reluctant to accept that we are in a real war, one produced in the ME, not Hollywood, with no opt-out. We can't just change the channel on this one, a reality yet to fully sink in with the American public.
P.S. And never, NEVER take our lead from what the euro-twits are doing.
Last time you traveled to Europe, were you required to get a visa?
There are about 30 or so nations whose citizens don't require visas to enter into the US, including most of Europe, Canada and (I believe) Japan.
See post #4.
up to 90 days
To 8 and 10:
Given that most of europe aleady does not need a visa - what's the hue and cry all about?
Instead of "EU will help ..get rid of visas" shouldn't we be saying "Visas need to be reinstated for everyone - period"?
[sorry about the unintended private post]
Well, I have been to New York recently and, no, I didn't need a visa there.
I'm guessing that means you are Greek?
Makes no sense to give a pass to half the world and then complain that the EU is somehow involved.
I'd rather see everyone screened to the same criteria and then grant a visa according to size of the country of origin or degree that we need special skills etc.
Of course, by my criteria mexico, most of africa, and most of the islamic world would be denied visas on general principals...you're either with us or against us.
[Just to show how far I am from the State Department's way of thinking, Greece and Yugoslavia would be high on my list for eased entry requirements]
My Great Grandparents Left Europe because its a cess pool of old building and ideas why would I go back?
"I'm guessing that means you are Greek? "
No, I'm not Greek. Look at my location.
In other words, you don't know. In other words, we should require visas from countries that don't require them of us. Sounds like a plan. Let's add a layer of bureaucracy and do nothing for security. /sarc
You're right, I did not know.
Sorry but you can't sue me for that.
And, yes, I do think we should require a visa from everyone stepping across the border. Not to say that some do in fact have a reason to come across repeatedly, but it ain't like you had to renew the things every wednesday.
I want fingerprints and a confirmed residence, sponsor, or place of business.
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