Senators to propose legislation to restrict visa waivers for Europeans
Source: Hardball with Chris Matthews MSNBC
We just saw another example of Congress rushing in to introduce meaningless legislation in hopes of placating the nervous American public. Tonight on Hardball Republican Senator Jeff Flake said that he and Diane Feinstein will introduce a bill tomorrow which will modify the current visa waiver rule. (At present citizens of 39 countries - mostly European - are not now required to get a visa in order to travel to the US.). This new legislation would require any citizen of these countries who had travelled to Syria or Iraq in the past five years to now obtain a visa in order to travel to the U.S. Presumably this would let us examine people whose travel patterns made them suspect before permitting them to come here.
The only problem: Nothing prevents the potential 'suspect' traveller from declaring his/her old passport lost or stolen and obtaining a brand new, fresh passport. There is then no way to know whether the individual visited Iraq or Syria (or anywhere else). It's a meaningless, feel-good gesture designed to show the constituency that 'Congress is on top of things' when, in fact all it does it create more red tape and cost without contributing in any way, shape of form to our security. Business as usual for Congress.
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CaptainTruth
(6,594 posts)newthinking
(3,982 posts)Jake Stern
(3,145 posts)because of reciprocity. The Houston consulate requires all applicants to appear in person which involves transportation, hotel and food. Another option is to use the services of a visa company which would add an additional $150+ to the steep $160 tourist visa fee.
While I understand that is like what Brazilians go through to get a US visa, Brazil is NOT worth that hassle.
sinkingfeeling
(51,460 posts)South American countries. I just paid $160 to Brazil for a visa and a $160 'Reciprocity fee' to Argentina. Both admit these are payback for USA charging their citizens.
Ace Rothstein
(3,163 posts)Between visas and vaccinations, we spend over $1k.
I hope you aren't going to miss out on Iguazu Falls, they are impressive.
sinkingfeeling
(51,460 posts)Ace Rothstein
(3,163 posts)Sounds like a great trip. If you haven't already booked lodging and can swing the cost, staying at the Belmond hotel in the National Park on the Brazilian side of the falls is worth it.