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I just heard a rally against the requirements and red tape that citizens of Poland must go through to come to America.
Now this rally was on a Conservative radio program and the host said that he could not understand why the citizens of Poland have to undergo so much difficulty in receiving a visa to visit America. He said that Poland has been a staunch ally of America and should receive a lot more consideration than other countries. He said that citizens of France and other countries do not have to go through so much trouble and yet they opposed America many times.
The program is heard nationwide by many people and so, the visa issue is receiving much publicity. Lets hope that this publicity will prevoke a lot of attention and something will be done to correct the situation. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Do you think that citizens of France and Germany SHOULD undergo a difficult process to get an American visa, since they are against American policy so much?

Eric is right. That's acting like a child. He's my friend so I'll give him preferential treatment, but if he screws me over , I'll make his life harder. I think the policy should be the same for all. Ive heard that the best way to get a visa is to come in with an arm or leg of your body in a cast (make sure its a fake one though :P) I've also heard that it costs about $100 to file an application, but it doesn't mean you're accepted.

Hussar,

I agree the policy should be the same for all - so why is it so difficult for the Poles to visit? They have only helped us, not "screwed us over."

I would really like to know which US Senator it was that blocked the last attempt to waive the visa requirement for Poles, s/he deserves a lot of ... response.

Nancy

I had a religion teacher a few years ago who was quite extreme. This is one thing he said I'll never forget. "To get aide or other gifts from America you have to attack it in some way or oppose America." Quite extreme. I think that if Poland remains an ally that it will eventually get some sort of benefits.

Since Poland is a member of the EU, I am surprised that the U.S. has not yet modified its agreements. After all, the citizens of the pre-2004 members of the EU all have the right to come to the U.S. for brief periods without any visa at all - it's called the visa-waiver program.

I guess that the U.S. is still worried about heavy immigration to America from Poland, creating a burden on employment and resources, and that is why the pre-E.U. visa restrictions continue.

You are right. It costs $100 (not a small sum in Central and Eastern Europe!) to only APPLY for an American visa! Then, it is necessary to have a face-to-face interview with an American consular official to explain (BEG!) what reasons exist for a visa to be issued. This often requires travelling to the capital city of their country, regardless of where they live, hotel and transportation costs, and making sure you are there for the few number of hours per week that the American Embassy will accept interviews for visa applicants.

It is said to be a very unpleasant process.

Unfortunately, that's right. Unless there is soemthing that America wants NOW and so badly that it is willing to spend huge amounts of money immediately, the only real way to make America invest large amounts of money and labor in your country is to bomb it into the stoneage first.

That, sadly, also does wonders for America's image around the world. While there is protest at America's military action when it happens, America then makes sure every country on the planet learns that America is rebuilding everything (though omitting the fact that America destroyed it in the first place) so "graciously" and "generously".

America is only interested in the "bonus points" it gains in the eyes of people (not necessarily governments, but people) around the world.

Hussar. A few years ago there was a movie about that situation, the movie was called "The Mouse That Roared" it was a comedy and starred Peter Sellers. The movie was about a very small country that needed money and the best way to do this was by attacking America and then surrendering and receiving a lot of foreign aid. The twist came when it was America that surrendered and the fear was that it was the small country that would have to suply the aid. For a few more laughs; all you have to do is illegly cross the Mexican/American border or if you are a daredevil than just visit Cuba and take a small boat to the shores of Florida
On a serious side, Poland was one of the few European countries that supported America as opposed to some of the other countries. On a lighter note: the French should learn how to use a bathtub before any consideration is given to them. By the way, if America is so terrible, why do so many Europeans want to come here? Hmmm, that is going to take some thought. LOL <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

One answer: $$$

By the way, all the French people I have ever known have always bathed regularly. Americans, though, are the only people I know who would actually take a shower two or three times a day!