[privacy] Bush Orders Clampdown on Flights to U.S.

[Jim Murray]

Paul Ferguson wrote:

> The US administration is pressing the 27 governments of the European Union
> to sign up for a range of new security measures for transatlantic travel,
> including allowing armed guards on all flights from Europe to America by US
> airlines.
> 
> The demand to put armed air marshals on to the flights is part of a travel
> clampdown by the Bush administration that officials in Brussels described
> as "blackmail" and "troublesome", and could see west Europeans and Britons
> required to have US visas if their governments balk at Washington's
> requirements.

I am old enough (and fortunate enough) to remember the days before the 
visa wavier program. Getting a visa was a one-off irritation, something 
I personally wouldn't have a problem with doing again if it reduced the 
level of disruption experienced thereafter.

> According to a US document being circulated for signature in European
> capitals, EU states would also need to supply personal data on all air
> passengers overflying but not landing in the US in order to gain or retain
> visa-free travel to America, senior EU officials said.

That sounds just plain stupid to me. There's neither reason, precedent 
nor legal basis for it and I can't honestly see the EU playing along.

> And within months the US department of homeland security is to impose a new
> permit system for Europeans flying to the US, compelling all travellers to
> apply online for permission to enter the country before booking or buying a
> ticket, a procedure that will take several days.

Now IF such a system were used to reduce the huge queues the bedevil 
immigration at many major US airports I don't think too many travellers 
would object. On the other hand, were it to become just another 
obstructive hoop for tourists to jump through then the USA may well find 
it's impending recession deepened by a significant drip in tourist 
revenues...

Jim.


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