Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS Cable Urges Posts to Remind Foreign Media of the Need to Seek ‘I’ Visas
P 062010Z JUN 03
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS PRIORITY
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM PRIORITY
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE PRIORITY
AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY
AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM PRIORITY
DIR FSINFATC WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS STATE 155061
FOR CONSULAR SECTION CHIEFS AND NIV CHIEFS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: JOURNALISTS AND "I" VISAS
1. CA has become aware of an increasing number of cases of journalists denied entry at POE after attempting to enter either on a B visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). As posts are aware, aliens coming to practice journalism are not eligible to come on VWP or a B visa. VWP provides for the visa-free entry of nationals of designated countries coming to the United States for tourism or business (B visa purposes) for a period not to exceed 90 days. INA 101(a)(15)(B) states that a B status is not appropriate for representatives of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media coming to engage in such vocation. Therefore, as a matter of law, journalists cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or a B visa to enter for the purpose of pursuing their profession. Journalists who attempt to do so, rather than apply for entry with an I visa, will be subject to removal.
2. Posts should take advantage of all available opportunities to remind local contacts, including journalists but also the general public, of the proper use of VWP and B status.
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS PRIORITY
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM PRIORITY
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE PRIORITY
AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY
AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM PRIORITY
DIR FSINFATC WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS STATE 155061
FOR CONSULAR SECTION CHIEFS AND NIV CHIEFS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: JOURNALISTS AND "I" VISAS
1. CA has become aware of an increasing number of cases of journalists denied entry at POE after attempting to enter either on a B visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). As posts are aware, aliens coming to practice journalism are not eligible to come on VWP or a B visa. VWP provides for the visa-free entry of nationals of designated countries coming to the United States for tourism or business (B visa purposes) for a period not to exceed 90 days. INA 101(a)(15)(B) states that a B status is not appropriate for representatives of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media coming to engage in such vocation. Therefore, as a matter of law, journalists cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or a B visa to enter for the purpose of pursuing their profession. Journalists who attempt to do so, rather than apply for entry with an I visa, will be subject to removal.
2. Posts should take advantage of all available opportunities to remind local contacts, including journalists but also the general public, of the proper use of VWP and B status.