Tuesday, August 02, 2005
SENSIBLE ADVICE ON VISAS
from Heritage's Balbina Hwang. Her conclusion:
Ever since the events of September 11, 2001, America has understandably been concerned about immigration and border security. However, the United States should prudently weigh the benefits and costs of strict visa processes, such as those that hamper cross-Pacific business cooperation. In December 2004, China lifted visa requirements for eligible South Korean businessmen, encouraging greater Korean economic cooperation with China, perhaps at the expense of American businesses. At the very least, such Chinese diplomacy makes headway in South Korea at the expense of increasing anti-American sentiments.Amen!
As the United States works to improve its alliance with South Korea, it should demonstrate that America is committed to working with its partner to develop a mature relationship by paying attention to issues such as visas that, although seemingly minor from the U.S. perspective, affect South Korean pride and sensibility. South Korea’s inclusion in the VWP will go far in improving relations with one of America’s most important allies.
Comments:
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the biggest enemy of "sensible rules" for tourist, work, and student visas has been the Korean people themselves...
There are probably about 1 million "legal-entry-challenged" Koreans (and their children) living in the US right now.
We've heard stories of "hostesses" imported illegally--they busted a guy in Plano Texas and found 5 young "ladies" living at his nice house in the suburbs...
There's just not enough of them to lobby like LULAC, Phil Gramm retired, the Salt Lake City Olympics scandal hurt their ability to get friendly with decision-makers, the image of Korean store owners shooting wildly at looters during the LA riots marked them as dangerous, and let's face it, as a basically shy people, they don't tend to mingle well unless forced...
I'm all in favor of giving them another chance; but I wouldn't expect it in light of the 2002 World Cup "F-Off America" rallies and their continued one-sided whinging about Yongsan, Osan, and SOFA abuses.
Most Americans can't see past all the bravado and fluff (or don't want to waste the time) to notice the truth about Koreans--and I still hope I'm not just being taken for a ride...
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There are probably about 1 million "legal-entry-challenged" Koreans (and their children) living in the US right now.
We've heard stories of "hostesses" imported illegally--they busted a guy in Plano Texas and found 5 young "ladies" living at his nice house in the suburbs...
There's just not enough of them to lobby like LULAC, Phil Gramm retired, the Salt Lake City Olympics scandal hurt their ability to get friendly with decision-makers, the image of Korean store owners shooting wildly at looters during the LA riots marked them as dangerous, and let's face it, as a basically shy people, they don't tend to mingle well unless forced...
I'm all in favor of giving them another chance; but I wouldn't expect it in light of the 2002 World Cup "F-Off America" rallies and their continued one-sided whinging about Yongsan, Osan, and SOFA abuses.
Most Americans can't see past all the bravado and fluff (or don't want to waste the time) to notice the truth about Koreans--and I still hope I'm not just being taken for a ride...
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