Threat to Visa Waiver Program
May 3rd 2007, 4:02 pm
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
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Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
But imo, it isn't really racial profiling, it's nationality "profiling".
Pakistan is not a visa waiver country currently. So Pakistani citizens cannot come here now on the VWP. This possible proposal is extending that "profiling" to nation of origin, not simply current nation of residence/citizenship.
Good or bad? I'm not sure. It certainly seems unfair in a way to Pakistani's living in Britain who are perfectly innocent. On the other hand, the VWP is a privilege granted to those nations who the U.S. governments feel pose little threat. So if there's a group who poses a larger than normal threat - are they really not within their rights to require a visa?
Hard one really. I would prefer to not explode.
May 3rd 2007, 4:28 pm
#18
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May 3rd 2007, 5:22 pm
#19
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Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
International travel to the US is already down 9%, one would hope they maintain their focus on the bigger picture.
May 3rd 2007, 8:23 pm
#20
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Re: 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.
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.
http://www.reuters.com/article/polit...2?feedType=RSS
May 3rd 2007, 8:27 pm
#21
Lapine Member
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May 3rd 2007, 8:40 pm
#22
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Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
It's not been a financially driven trend though.
May 9th 2007, 1:19 am
#23
And YOU'RE paying for it!
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Re: Threat to Visa Waiver Program
We'd all prefer not to explode. Leaving aside the moral issues, a lot depends on whether you think it's worthwhile dedicating the time and money towards making people go through the visa route.
It wouldn't have stopped any of the 7/7 people from getting visas and it will flood the scrutiny system with innocent holidaymakers, meaning consular staff will have even less chance to spot genuine naughty people. In any case, how many people here really think they were seriously examined in their interviews?
Besides, national origin and ethnicity isn't recorded anywhere in the UK. What data source would DHS be using to establish which UK passport holders wouldn't be eligible for VWP?
This whole story is an exercise in trial balloon floating. It's impossible to implement, politically undesireable and wouldn't achieve much even if it was put in place.
I think the (UK) Times had a piece late last week that suggested that in fact this was all a way for the UK govt to endorse US "extra screening" (racial profiling) of UK Pakistanis at port of entry. UK govt's first comment was "well, we don't think this is a great idea, we'd much prefer to see extra attention at airports".
It wouldn't have stopped any of the 7/7 people from getting visas and it will flood the scrutiny system with innocent holidaymakers, meaning consular staff will have even less chance to spot genuine naughty people. In any case, how many people here really think they were seriously examined in their interviews?
Besides, national origin and ethnicity isn't recorded anywhere in the UK. What data source would DHS be using to establish which UK passport holders wouldn't be eligible for VWP?
This whole story is an exercise in trial balloon floating. It's impossible to implement, politically undesireable and wouldn't achieve much even if it was put in place.
I think the (UK) Times had a piece late last week that suggested that in fact this was all a way for the UK govt to endorse US "extra screening" (racial profiling) of UK Pakistanis at port of entry. UK govt's first comment was "well, we don't think this is a great idea, we'd much prefer to see extra attention at airports".
