funsec mailing list archives
Re: [privacy] Bush Orders Clampdown on Flights to U.S.
From: Jim Murray <jim () digitaldaemons co uk>
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:45:19 +0000
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. -- DigitalDaemons IT Services. --------------------------------------- E-Mail : jim () digitaldaemons co uk PGP Key ID : 0x21811644 _______________________________________________ privacy mailing list privacy () whitestar linuxbox org http://www.whitestar.linuxbox.org/mailman/listinfo/privacy
Current thread:
- [privacy] Bush Orders Clampdown on Flights to U.S. Paul Ferguson (Feb 11)
- Re: [privacy] Bush Orders Clampdown on Flights to U.S. Jim Murray (Feb 11)