quote:
Originally posted by Ronn_Bman:
Is it really inappropriate to question visitors here on visas? They are here as our guests, shouldn't they be willing to answer questions. If we allow them access to our nation, shouldn't they be willing to say they have no bad intentions towards us? Based on what happened through the abuse of this privilege by others, it will never be the same open policy it once was.
And it shouldn't be, because our policies were most definitely flawed...for example:
I just read today in the Moscow Times (our local English language newspaper) that only now with the new aviation security legislation signed last week will all airlines be required to conform with Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). This is where information about incoming passengers and crew members is cross-checked against national databases of the State Department, Customs, INS, FBI, etc. I couldn't believe that this hadn't been a requirement previously! Some 58 airlines had "elected" to not participate in this program up until now when its mandatory. IMHO enforcing these measures makes a lot more sense and is much more effective than the "Michigan letters".
In case anyone is interested, here's the link to the article:
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/storie...11/28/002.html