Final Word from Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Foreign Affairs wrote in its latest edition that by easing visa restrictions, Washington could improve its image in Central Europe and assuage fears there of a more assertive, self-confident Russia. In theory, at least, the Democratic takeover of the House yesterday could make Congress more receptive to the idea of relaxing visa requirements. In practice, though, Americans are more concerned about other immigration issues, such as earned citizenship for illegal aliens. The American Friends of the CR, the Czech embassy, and ex-Amb. William Cabaniss are among those committed to making progress on the visa issue. What's missing, though, is a concrete proposal for what U.S. lawmakers should do. Should they raise (or eliminate) the max. 3% rejection criterion, link visa-waivers to EU or Nato membership, or show preference to countries with troops in Iraq? The devil is in the details. [Czech Republic European Union North Atlantic Treaty Organization United States of America]