US visa policy for journalists
WASHINGTON – Officials at US ports of entry have been instructed to use their discretion in admitting working journalists who are “clearly no threat” to US security but who have the wrong visa.
Up to now, foreign journalists who do not have the “I” visa have been refused entry at US ports. The rumpus raised as a result of this policy in some sections of the foreign press has induced the American authorities to go easy on this from now on. However, in practice, not every port of entry official is going to use his new discretionary powers to admit journalists who may genuinely have been mistaken as to what visa they needed to get into the United States. Many of them come carrying “B-1” business visas and are refused entry. What is not clear is why US mission that issued the wrong visas were unable to advise the applicants about the right visa.
US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner said on May 21 that the new guidelines had been issued to all Port Directors regarding discretionary authority to permit travel for foreign journalists who attempt to enter the US with the wrong visa, while reminding those foreign journalists that they should be aware of immigration policies before they depart for the United States.
Mr. Bonner said, “While we carry out our mission and enforce our laws, we realize there is a difference between fraud and failure to be informed of the legal requirements for entering the United States. That is why we are giving our Port Directors leeway when it comes to allowing journalists to enter the US who are clearly no threat to our security.”
Under the new policy, a Port Director may consider a one time discretionary authorization to enter the US. If that discretion is exercised, the journalist will be advised of the requirement to have a visa in the correct classification for any future trips.
Source: Daily Times
Date:5/23/2004
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