Poland, Visas and You

Dear Polish-Americans,

For too long, the United States has treated our friends and families in Poland as second class citizens requiring them to pay hefty fees to apply for visas to visit this country, while Europeans from other countries travel here without visas.

There is a bill in Congress that would change that.  But it will only become law if you and your friends call and write to your Senators and Representatives.  Otherwise, nothing will happen.  If you don't know your Congressman, below is a link where you can find them using your zip code.  If you are not registered to vote, another link below shows you how to register.

As part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citizens of 36 foreign countries can travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. Poland has been excluded from this because Congress changed the VWP rules for countries that have more than 3% of their citizens denied visas. At present, 9.8% of Poles are denied visas because of the subjective questions that they are forced to answer at American Consulates in Poland.  But fewer than 3% of Poles who come to America stay longer than the 90 days allowed on their visas.

That's why a new law is needed to allow countries with an overstay rate of less than 3% to be included in the Visa Waiver Program. The Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act of 2011 would do just that. The bill must pass both houses before President Obama can sign it.

The Bill, number H.R. 959, is sponsored in the House by Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, with nine co-sponsors. The Senate Bill S.487 is sponsored by Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, and co-sponsored by Senator Mark Kirk of Illinois. We must convince a majority in both houses of Congress to pass this legislation before President Obama can sign it into law.  

Here's a link to help you find your Congressman:
Click to find contact info for your Congressman

Here are some ideas for your letter to Congress
This is a way that you can start when you write and your Senators and Members of Congress:

Dear Congressman, 
As a Polish American, I ask that you co sponsor The Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act of 2011, Bill number H.R.959.
(Don't forget to write another letter to your Senator which says that you want them to co-sponsor Billl S.487) 

Here are some bullets that you can use in your letter, and please add some of your own:

• Poland is one of America's greatest allies and has fought for freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan and always supports the United States.
• Visa refusal rates for Poles have dropped dramatically and Poland is a productive member of NATO and the European Union, and its citizens do not need to come to the United States to find work.
• Poland is part of the "Schengen Area" of 25 European nations that allows passport-free travel across borders.
• Poles pose no terrorist threat to America, and allowing Poles to visit the United States as tourists would encourage international trade and pump tourism dollars into our economy.
• While the U.S. requires Poles to have visas when traveling to America, Poland waived visas for Americans 20 years ago.
• By refusing visa free travel for Poles, the United States is pushing Poland closer to other European nations that are not as friendly towards America.
• Allowing Poles to travel without visas will add to our security and enhances law enforcement and crime-fighting efforts through data-sharing agreements between our respective countries.

Speak up for Polonia!
Don't forget to write to your Representative and Senators, because the bill must pass both houses. Also, please ask all your friends to write to Congress as well.  The only way for Congress to respect Poland and Polonia, is if you pick up the phone, smile and dial.

If all of the Polish-American organizations work on this, we will win.

Alex Storozynski
President & Executive Director
The Kosciuszko Foundation
The American Center of Polish Culture

The Kosciuszko Foundation promotes educational and cultural exchanges between Poland and United States and promotes Polish culture. The Foundation is named after Tadeusz Kosciuszko who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and stood up for the rights of African slaves, European peasants, Jews, Native Americans & women. He also designed and built West Point, which became the United States Military Academy based on his recommendation.