xrough

US 'to tighten rules on Britons'

The US government is reportedly seeking to tighten visa restrictions for British citizens of Pakistani origin.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff had discussed options with London about revising the visa waiver programme, the New York Times said.

It follows the conviction of five men - mostly of Pakistani origin - for a UK bomb plot linked to al-Qaeda.

The UK Home Office said it would be unacceptable to "single out citizens of any particular background".

The fertiliser bomb plot convictions highlight a problem which has quietly dogged relations between the US and its closest ally ever since 9/11.

The following question is keeping US immigration officials awake at night:

If a few British men of Pakistani origin are prepared to blow themselves up and commit mass murder in the UK, how many will try and enter the US on the visa waiver programme which grants them visa-free access to America?

Put another way, could America's closest friend also harbour its most dangerous enemy and what should be done about it?

'Blanket ban'

According to the New York Times report, Mr Chertoff has been discussing various options with London, none of which are considered palatable.

One is a blanket ban on the UK visa waiver programme, requiring more than a million annual visitors from Britain to apply for a visa.

This is bound to affect the tide of tourism, swelling on a cheap dollar, and is an idea that is bitterly resisted by the UK business community.

Another option is to require only Britons of Pakistani origin to apply for a visa.

But this would be seen as racial profiling which is something that the US authorities have always publicly resisted at home.

It would also be certain to embarrass the government in London.

Homeland security officials deny that any special talks have been taking place or that racial profiling is on the cards.

But they also point out that they are talking to congress about ways to strengthen the visa waiver programme which is authorised by law.

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ExNavyAmerican

I may think that these are acceptable measures, but I hate bull___. They are obviously racially profiling, and to say otherwise is an insult to our intelligence.

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"I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."
- Thomas Jefferson

xrough

In this situation, we can say that terrorists are using UK to go to US and that could be dangerous..

awangmamat

This has been going on since 9/11. What's new here?

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Ray

Racial profiling?

Do I hear a thunder?

Of howl and whines?

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"Some have learnt many Tricks of sly Evasion, Instead of Truth they use Equivocation, And eke it out with mental Reservation, Which is to good Men an Abomination."

I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.

HAKUNA MATATA

MonjulaBanerjee

Can't they do it discreetly, rather than announcing it to the whole wide world?

Dreadnought

You cannot do anything these days without being "politically correct". By this meaning it means that even if you are proven correct time and time again, the method you used to get there negates any findings to support your reasoning. Go figure!

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Fortitude.....The strength to persist...The courage to endure.