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To: kabar

There was one exception: Ireland.

Though I am not familiar with the reasons why Ireland was allowed such privilege, it likely had something to do with the interrelationship between Irish immirgants and American history. Many Americans are of Irish descent and Irish immigrants were a significant group that helped make this country what it is today with their hard work and values. Polish immigrants were the same.

There should absolutely be standards for waivering visas. Thoguh like Ireland, there should an exception for Poland. Polish immigrants helped build this country and many Americans are of Polish decent. Why should the Polish not get the same treatment as the Irish?


20 posted on 10/06/2005 5:56:55 PM PDT by bummerdude (Boycott Chevron-Texaco, buy Exxon-Mobil !)
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To: bummerdude
There was one exception: Ireland.

Nope! Ireland participates in the Visa Waiver Program like the other 26 countries which qualify. Ireland is not only NOT an exception, they also do not qualify for the Diversity Visa Lotter, since they have sent 50,000 immigrants to the US in the last 5 years.

Though I am not familiar with the reasons why Ireland was allowed such privilege, it likely had something to do with the interrelationship between Irish immirgants and American history. Many Americans are of Irish descent and Irish immigrants were a significant group that helped make this country what it is today with their hard work and values. Polish immigrants were the same.

Firstly, I have Irish blood, and so I am not being obstinate, just factual.
Secondly, once again, Ireland is not an exception, but simply one of the 27 countries which particpate in the program.
Thirdly, there were many other groups which had every bit as much to do with building this country as the Irish.

There should absolutely be standards for waivering visas. Thoguh like Ireland, there should an exception for Poland. Polish immigrants helped build this country and many Americans are of Polish decent. Why should the Polish not get the same treatment as the Irish?

You seem to be under the mistaken idea the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)is for IMMIGRANT VISAS. THAT IS TOTALLY WRONG! The VWP is only for tourist visas. Poland does not qualify, because they have a larger than 3% non-return rate on the tourist visas.
21 posted on 10/06/2005 7:02:06 PM PDT by GarySpFc (Sneakypete, De Oppresso Liber)
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To: bummerdude
Though I am not familiar with the reasons why Ireland was allowed such privilege, it likely had something to do with the interrelationship between Irish immirgants and American history.

No, it has something to do with political power. Irish-American Congressmen (there are lots of them) put tremendous pressure on the State Department to include Ireland in the program. Ireland was just a little outside the percentages initially, but an exception was made for them.

There should absolutely be standards for waivering visas. Thoguh like Ireland, there should an exception for Poland. Polish immigrants helped build this country and many Americans are of Polish decent. Why should the Polish not get the same treatment as the Irish?

Life isn't fair. There are many more Irish-Americans than Polish-Americans in the US. There are about 44 million Irish-Americans compared to 9 million Polish-Americans. That translates into greater political clout. Also, Ireland today is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of per capita income. It is $31,900 versus Poland's $12,000. Ireland has to import people to support the Celtic Revolution. Poland is also among the top ten in countries whose nationals overstay their US non-immigrant visas.

22 posted on 10/06/2005 7:24:34 PM PDT by kabar
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