Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

The fallout from the recent terrorist trial in London could impact on us transatlantic pond hoppers according to this NY Times article

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/02/wo...ritain.html?hp

Faced with the prospect of the entire Visa Waiver Program under threat, the FCO recommended the USCIS deport Britons who 'fail' screening on arrival.

As the Dept of Homeland Security are reportedly waiting until Blair steps down before insisting on action, what might the future bring? Making British citizens of Pakistani descent apply to the US embassy for B2 visas will undoubtedly lead to delays for other visa applicants.

If the US single out a minority group of British Citizens in this fashion, apart from the message this sends out, it marks an unwelcome return of ethnic profiling to public discourse which has disturbing historical precedent. But neither would I want longer lines outside the US embassy. Gloom indeed.

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

While in the UK political correctness dictates that you should never profile groups, here in the USA they are not afraid to do it. This will probably get me roasted on these forums, but I only speak of what I hear.

It would be a sad step back to profile groups. Before 9/11, this kind of thing almost became something of the past. However, evidence shows that it is people of Muslim descent that are mainly responsible for terrorism. However, it must be noted this is a minority of that group, that will ruin it for the majority.

While I am sorry to hear this news, I am in somewhat agreement with the US on this one.

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

Mmm, a pickle of a dilemma indeed.

Given that information is passed on flight / passenger lists etc., already I don't see what the difference is except tighter screening. If the US / UK lack confidence in their own current systems then I guess they are going to have to do something. I'm not sure sure tighter screening of "British Born" is going to pick up any more "potential" threats but what the heck do I know.

Also, it won't just be Britain. WHatever they change / implement will apply to all countries on VWP I'm sure.

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

I'd hate to see the US follow the example of Middle Eastern countries who deny entry to anyone with an Israeli entry stamp in their passport.

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

Shame they never realise that Israel stamp a piece of paper that gets clipped into your passport if you request it...

And restrictions on the VWP would impact on the US going to the UK because it's a reciprical program, just like US students can't get travel visa's to go slobbing around the UK because UK students can't do the same in the US.

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

Funny how the US never required visas for Catholics when the IRA was bombing, but they'll contemplate it for UK Muslims

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

It ain't never gonna happen ..just more rhetoric ...

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

Geez, I hope you are right!

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

I wouldn't worry about it too much...

Britain denies talks with U.S. on visa policy changes

~ Jenney

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

The VWP is profiling by its very definition.

Background does have an impact on ability to use the VWP.

I doubt if anything will happen in the current situation, but if the next few terrorist outrages relate to people who use the VWP, or walk in, or whatever, who knows?

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

Ultimately it's the call of the U.S. however the Foreign Office will undoubtedly point out in private that imposing a visa requirement on all British citizens would lead to a lot of anti-American feeling in what is one of the most significant allies for the United States.

It would also lead to pressure on the British government to retaliate with a visa requirement for U.S. citizens.

Of course the entire VWP system could be scrapped but unless the Americans were able to replace it with something like the Australian Electronic Travel Authority, that would be self-defeating as significant State Department resource would be diverted towards processing visa applications from relatively low risk nations.

One suspects that increased intelligence co-operation will be demanded as the price of continued VWP participation.

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

Relatively low risk is the important phrase.

And that is often a matter of political opinion - truthiness.

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

Thats a good point, but the IRA (from what I know) never bombed US soil.

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

All down to a certain family called Kennedy

Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
 

first thing you tell your kids when you live around here....don't get into ANYTHING that drives floats or flies with a Kennedy.....;)