Brits Will Be Required To Disclose Religious, Sexual & Political Beliefs When Flying To U.S.
By Logan Murphy Sunday Jul 22, 2007 4:47pm
Via Guardian Unlimited:
Highly sensitive information about the religious beliefs, political opinions and even the sex life of Britons travelling to the United States is to be made available to US authorities when the European Commission agrees to a new system of checking passengers.
The EC is in the final stages of agreeing a new Passenger Name Record system with the US which will allow American officials to access detailed biographical information about passengers entering international airports.
The information sharing system with the US Department of Homeland Security, which updates the previous three-year-old system, is designed to tackle terrorism but civil liberty groups warn it will have serious consequences for European passengers. And it has emerged that both the European parliament and the European data protection supervisor are alarmed at the plan.
In a strongly worded document drawn up in response to the plan that will affect the 4 million-plus Britons who travel to the US every year, the EU parliament said it 'notes with concern that sensitive data (ie personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, and data concerning the health or sex life of individuals) will be made available to the DHS and that these data may be used by the DHS in exceptional cases'. Read more...
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1984.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." ~ First Amendment, Bill of Rights, Constitution of the United States of America.
This oughta help the drop in tourists from Europe...
The Constitution is a meaningless document. I don't even care to cite it anymore, it is depressing.
I guess its safe to assume that all atheistic socialist queers will end up missing their flights as they are held for further questioning.
A young Republican twirp just got slammed big time by Michael Moore on Hardball. It was so damn sweet watching that. I hope C&L has the clip. Moore asked him WWJD regarding giving health care to immigrants and the kid was totally embarrassed.
Holy crap.
I swear sometimes I think that Dogbert is running the country. Let's make laws that purposely piss off our best allies.
Wait a minute, if we piss off the whole world and push our allies away, then we won't have to share any of the glory when we win the war on terror. Heck, I've got my big foam "we're #1 finger on right now and boy does that make typing difficult.
Allies are for pussies!
You are making this up! (oh, I guess you can't hear the note of optimism in my voice)
I am all for it and hope that the UK will follow suit and implement this policy immediately for all U.S. Citizens coming into the UK and other European countries.
The fundies will wet their pants, scream and flail about like the little victims they believe they are.
Christ. This is how we treat our closest allies.
And Dave #2, thanks for the well thought out and timely reminder
My immediate response would be "None of your fucking business, mate."
This sounds like the behaviour of the isolationist Eastern European countries being run by the USSR last century.
Why not just have them wear a Crescent Moon on the outside of all their clothing for all to see, and then tatoo a number on their arms so that everyone can keep track of them. Then put them in cattle railway cars to be taken to concentration camps. The survivors of which can be forced into labor camps and/or gassed and incinerated...
Anyone seeing the parallels yet of the Hilter/Bush connection?
The First Amendment? How quaint!
First of all, it says *congress* shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech. It doesn't say anything about executive orders abridging freedom of speech. Executive orders are not entities within the legislative branch!
Secondly, if you read the signing statement that accompanies the Bill of Rights, you'll see that the BofR does not apply to those cases where the president deems it necessary to ignore such rights.
Trish @ 6:
It was sweet.. So sweet.
PAPERS!
Why the fuck does the American people put up with this fascist shit?!
The poor Europeans. All the great bargains they can afford in the States with the strong Euro, andall it would cost them is their privacy. From what I understand, quite a few foreign visitors can count on a free impromptu finger fucking from friendly American immigration officials as well. Travel is broadening so they say.
Brings new meaning to the term, "NONE OF YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS!"
Please, someone defend this. I want to witness insanity.
double+good
Wonder what happens if one becomes an expatriat yet has no other citizenship anywhere.
I hope they all find another place to go on vacation from now on.
GTFO
My gawd is this ever frightening.
Ok, I am now officially an apolitical asexual athiest with no health, no philosophy and no race.
cradle to the grave monitoring for the people while corporations have no regulations
To other nations of the world: I apologize. I didn't vote for these prig wankers...
They are hungup on sex because they can't get any themselves. Who would want to shag Cheney? A blind cow?
They have to have things to wank off about, and getting into your undies will be more fun. Hell, they've been in ours for years now...
What I wonder is, what happens when they know everything about everybody else...
(Yes, we know nothing about them.)
America, the despotic nation... Turd World Nation, anyone?
It finally hit me. Bush can't come out and say he believes in Global Warming so he has decided to cut down on air traffic by keeping people from wanting to come here.
miss_kitty @ 10:
Ahem. Your closest ally, physically and otherwise, is on your northern border.
I wonder if this ridiculous law will apply to Canada too? How very strange it will be to have to declare my sexual orientation, political affiliation and religion to the uniformed lummox at US Customs next time I drive down to Washington state to shop at Target.
Lately they've taken to wearing mirrored sunglasses, like Southern sherriffs in the movies.
"Hi officer. Straight, Red Tory, Church of Kittens and Jack Russell Terriers. Nothing to declare. Is this still the Land of the Free?"
I like how they say "these data may be used by the DHS in exceptional cases"
EVERY case is an exceptional case, people! Stop these people from making us into sheep!
I hope there's reciprocity all around. Britain and the Commonwealth. All those upscale Caribbean islands. Canada. And just to show solidarity, Mexico. Visas all around required for citizens traveling out of the rogue state.
Slowly, inch by inch, the curtain closes over the U.S.
OT
CRAP!! I hope someone recorded that little spat on Tucker just now. I had both channels of tivo occupied and couldn't backtrack and rewind it.. I had just turned it on when he was ending a snitty fight with Katrina somebody..
I hope this site grabbed it and found it worthwhile to post!
oh yeh, anyone pissed of repubs and media saying congress at historic lows of 14% when that is a lie? even cnn doesn't check facts.. pizzes me off!
"I belong to a religion called 'Nunnayerfukinbiznis", my political affiliation is the Aintsnitchen party, and my sex life has slowed down ever since I started getting consistently poopchuted by President Bush"
Age: Senility
Politics: has gone to the dogs
Sex: Hardly ever
Religion: Is for foxholes
Health: Still breathing
Philosophy: C+
Race: To the bottom
Annoyed Canuck @ 26:
Of course it is. But so is GB-and when you look at the asslicking Blair gave Bush all those years and consider the Jean Chrétien attitude about this current regime-not thrilled at all-I guess I misspoke-maybe I'm thinking the CheneyBushCo regime's closest ally... Or "one of our closet allies." As George Bush told Rick Mercer-"Canada-our closest neighbour to the north" :roll:
And your church sounds fun.
Is this true? I'm new to this website so a story like this makes me wonder if this is a joke.
Are you telling me that we haven't done anything about the Mexican border problems, but we are requiring this info from the Brits?
Ruthless People @ 1:
Ditto
RMHK @ 34:
The last thing i heard on this site that was not true came out of the mouth of a troll.
xoites defends Constitution @ 32:
EXCELLENT! I feel like you peeked into my house :-)
RMHK @ 34:
RMHK,
I think you will find on any blog that has nothing to hide, will link to the source of where they get the info.. just as you'll find they linked to the article in the Guardian above.
As an UK citizen with residency in the States, I will now travel only on my UK passport just so I can have the pleasure of telling them , in the immortal words of Dick Cheney, to "Go Fuck Themselves". This is not the same country that I emigrated to in the early 90's , it is so very sad.
This really retarted.
RMHK @ 34:
oh yeah, this isn't The Onion altho I wish as time it were for all the inane things we've been subjected to from this facist admin.
If I were a Brit thinking about coming 'over the pond' I'd make plans for somewhere else.
'Do you wear a condom while masturbating when the Queen's on the telly?'
'Did your headmaster ever tickle your testicles while caning your bottom?'
'Did you ever get caught dipping your dick in a kidney pie?'
'Are the British beer taps at the pub connected directly to the urinals?'
'Do most Brits now realize that electric toothbrushes can be used for cleaning teeth as well as douching?'
Let me be the first Brit to answer these questions:
"None of your business", "None of your business" and "Go and fuck a handful of your own shit".
I think that about covers it.
crazylove @ 19:
Exactly. I am an ex-pat American that lives in Scotland. I do not have British Citizenship. My husband is Scottish and he would not put with these questions and we would never again go on a family vacation here. Our son has dual citizenship so is unaffected. This is complete and utter bullshit.
Really now?? Well, blimey, I guess we can kiss the Brit end of the tourist industry goodbye... Like some poster above asked... Why DO WE put up with this fascist shit???? Here's a pyrric possibility and hope.. What happens when the Bushco paranoia and desire to sniff everyone coming and goings jockstrap crashes headon into the business communities desire to sell timeshares and other trinkets to foureign tourists, takes a real dump cause NOONE wants to visit anymore??? No Brits, no Europeans, no nada... What happens then???...
I can almost hear the ghost of E.G. Robinson now... 'where's your homeland security now Moses yea see, wheres your tourist fleecing industry now??Yea,yea see'.....heheheh Another braindead idea from the minds who makes a living coming up with and force feeding braindead ideas on us and the rest of the world...JD
Required to submit?....
Even tho I don't advocate lying....
I see this as an opportunity to get creative regarding these personal beliefs....
In the spirit of "Go f**k yourself" is this truly necessary a**holes?...
This is probably why Sarasota COunty is fighting Christ on the property tax decrease. The county won't be able to support itself without its massive flow of European tourism from Oct-May.
To all you Brits online and to all the rest who are not: We Americans have no right to ask you or anyone else these questions. We do not have the right to even ask ourselves these questions. I think Brits should boycott America, not only by not coming here but also by not buying whatever the hell it is we still export.
Welcome to the United States of America! - * now take off your clothes, put your hands on your head, get on your knees and open wide... --- [If American foreign-domestic (one in the same...) policy does not change by the time the "dems" take over, I am leaving this UNRECOGNIZABLE country for good.
WTF did you people do to America AND THE WORLD???
I fancied going to America once upon a time - but it seems to be turning into Soviet Russia but just doesn't have the balls to admit it.
I think everyone should boycott America ... but really is anyone surprised? It was the next step in what they've been doing.
just today my 14 year old said "time to move to Canada" about another Bush action (last weeks executive order)
does anyone still beleive that if we elect a democrat in 2008 they will give up power?
US ICE offical:
OK I have to ask you these questions
Have you at any time been a Homosexual
"No"
Are you a member of a trade union
"No"
Have you been a member of a political party or donated money to political parties
"No"
OK Mr Bin Laden you may enter the United States, enjoy your stay
how damn dumb are these intelligence gathering organizations. they look at the stupidest things... Joe Public doing his business... I wonder if they scan billboards and advertisements wondering if it's a secret message from terrorists? freakin' lunatics, they should all be fired and replaced with people who can actually track real terrorists.
You know the reason the US government is not asking all of us for this info
is that they have already gotten all that information in the last 6 years.
Thanks congress!
40 BILLION +++ per year for American intelligence. No offense, but after reviewing your record I'ld say you had better double that figure.
Paul @ 52:
I just snarfed on my keyboard....but its all true.
we all know how effective this will be, since potential terrorists are all about telling the truth, NOT!
how incredibly stupid does one have to be to believe that the information given to them will be true?
Are they going to call up everyone's pastor to confirm their church membership? Or are you simply guilty if you don't reference one?
more hassle for travelers. nothing more.
this will be as popular as the passports needed to travel to Canada and Mexico...oh yeah, another stupid idea that's gone nowhere.
BWAAH HA HA HA HA!
Okay, Brits, ya get that? If ya wanna visit, yer 500 word essay must be turned into the State Department at least one week before ya travel.
Be assured, ya will be graded on grammar, spellin' and punctuation.
This perversity doesn´t concern the Brits only but all EU citizens.
I for one will never ever step on American soil.
the 4th Reich is rising @ 59:
Well, you are not missing much. At least 25% of us are delusional and think life is great and the President is the son of God. The rest of us have no real representation in Congress and Congress is unwilling to remove a man who is obviously criminally insane from office. I think they think the 25% who think Bush is the Messiah have control of the country. Perhaps they do.
fuck that shit, and to think i just finished watching a natailie portman flick, and then read this
i am hugo veaVing, are you ??
Rick @ 56:
You may laugh but the last time I looked at the back of an I94W it rally does ask "Are you planning to commit acts of terrorism or sabotage against the US?" further down the form it states "If you have ticked yes, then you must obtain a visa from the US Embassy from your country of residence"
You should see the look on the face of my American friends
I can tell you that this is one reason I don't feel like going to my class reunion in August. I don't want to be treated like a criminal by the US government. Current legislation is quite sufficient in stopping terror suspects, this goes overboard.
I really hate the moves our politicians on both sides of the Atlantic are doing in order "to keep us safe". Now, Chancellor Merkel has proposed that the police should have access to everyone's computers... What's next? Surveillance cameras at home?
People should realize that life cannot be controlled, the civil liberties are more important than surveillance and oversight.
This really seems like a "Look over here" distraction while the administration does something even worse behind our backs. The question is what is it they don't want us to see. Let's keep our eyes open for something even worse going on.
Could not find a copy to scan but here is a link with the questions on an I94W
http://www.airfares.co.uk/VisaHealth/US_Visa_Waiver_Scheme.asp
These are the current questions asked on an I-94, which must be answered by all travellers to the United States (Just in case why you are wondering why the war on terrorism is being lost)
Do any of the following apply to you ? (Answer Yes or No)
A Do you have a communicable disease physical or mental disorder, or are you a drug abuser or addict ?
B Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or have been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentance to confinement was five years or more; or have been a controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities ?
C Have you ever been or are you now involved in espionage or sabotage; or in terroist activities; or genocide; or between 1933 and 1945 were you involved; in any way in persecutions associated with Nazi Germany or its allies ?
D Are you seeking to work in the U.S.; or have you ever been excluded and deported; or have been previously removed from the United States; or procurred or attempted to procure a visa or entry into the U.S. by fraud or by misrepresentation ?
E Have you ever detained, retained or witheld custody of a child from a U.S. citizen granted custody of the child ?
F Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the U.S. or had a U.S. visa caneled? If yes; when and where ?
G Have you ever asserted immunity from prosecution ?
Important: If you answered "Yes" to any of the above please contact the American Embassy before you travel to the U.S. since you may be refused admission into the United States.
Will the rest of the world PLEASE boycott the U.S. for 30 days to prove we are NOT the mighty power bush thinks we are? And if that doesn't work, boycott the U.S. for 60. That should inflict enough economic damage that the snarling dogs in charge of our policies will back off.
I'm fed up with this crap. Really, I'm fed up. I'd like to emigrate somewhere else. Here's an honest, serious, question...(it can even be addressed by any lurking "love it or leave it" supporters of our current administration...
How can a U.S. citizen, with no family ties of blood or marriage, and no employer sponsorship, actually manage to emigrate to another first world country? Is it even possible? Everything I read indicates that unless you have one of the above two items, it's just about impossible unless you have some crazy skill that is in the under .001% of the worlds' population, or you are independently wealthy (multi-millionaire).
Regardless of all the people hollering, "I've leaving this country!", and the right wingers who echo, "Good, get out, we're happy to see you go!", I don't think it's actually feasible for most folks to even consider. About the only places left on this planet with any kind of open immigration are so far down the civilized food-chain, they probably aren't even third-world. More like 6th or 7th world (thanks, over-population!).
Am I wrong?
americahatesearth @ 49:
If American foreign-domestic (one in the same...) policy does not change by the time the "dems" take over, I am leaving this UNRECOGNIZABLE country for good.
May I quote Michael Moore:
"Ok, fellow Americans — you’re not going anywhere! You have to stay here and help me clean up this mess! What makes you think the Canadians and the Brits want us, bringing over our loudmouth ignorant happy meal eating asses? ** No, we have to stay here and get this country back in the hands of the people who own it — the citizens."
** I think it´s safe to include EU citizens (and probably the rest of the planet) here as well.
Who says the NAZISs aren't succeeding, yup this was put in by that piece of SH*T in the VPO check it out if you thbink I am lieing they want wars wars and more wars. Dispecable Scum.
When will the stats be available that will show just how bad this paranoid policy is affecting US tourism ? A lot of fellow Canucks i know just wont be bothered crossing over for day trips to border states and cities anymore. Its hardly worth the hassle. And its not worth the money either as Canadas dollar rapidly reaches par with the US buck.Some US Border agent was grilling a 70 year old friend of mine over some bar fight he got involved in back in the 60s. Like that will pre dispose him to Islamic terrorism.Truly fuckin insane.
I sure hope sanity returns to US some day. Used to be a nice place to visit.
So we can import poisonous Chinese products, but not tourists?
Tim in Japan @ 7:
You almost have it right. Bushbert's plan to piss everyone off so they don't want to come to the United States. After this is accomplished, any foreigner who travels to the United States is obviously an evil-doer and will thus be tracked or incarcerated. :-(
I think Benjamin Franklin said it best: "A country which gives up its liberties for a little more security, deserves neither." So if the EU agrees to these measures, we're all in the same boat which is slowly, but definitely sinking.
Ole' Dumbya and the boys heered there wuz a buncha Islamofazitzes and homos (and I mean quears- boy) in the Britesh Ilez.
Hell, Boy! Them Gayes and Mooslims ain't too often good Republicans, now are they?
Col Kilgore @ 71:
While I agree, yeah, most of the customs/border agents are jackbooted thugs about stupid stuff, but really, Canada does the same thing to U.S. citizens who try to come for a visit (though probably more politely). For example, you are "technically" prohibited from even entering into Canada from the U.S. if you've EVER had a misdemeanor conviction for drunk driving. I think it's always been that way, they just now have the technology and collaboration to enforce it.
No matter how long ago it was, and no matter what the circumstances. Same with pot possession, and various other non-violent misdemeanor's.
Personally, I think it's crappy on both sides.
I'm sick of this s*** @ 68:
ISOTS -
Under the US/Canada Free Trade agreement, there is a list of professional and skilled trade occupations that allow citizens of one country to work in the other. This is one path to residency in Canada and eventual citizenship.
Go to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp
Do you by any chance have an Irish-born grandparent? If so, you qualify for Irish Citizenship, which allows you to live and work anywhere in the EU.
Paul @ 66:
These are the current questions asked on an I-94, which must be answered by all travellers to the United States (Just in case why you are wondering why the war on terrorism is being lost)
Do any of the following apply to you ? (Answer Yes or No)
C Have you ever been or are you now involved in ... genocide; or between 1933 and 1945 were you involved; in any way in persecutions associated with Nazi Germany or its allies ?
This has to be a typo. I mean this should really qualify one to enter the USA and feel welcomed with open arms.
I'm sick of this s*** @ 68:
You are wrong.
Visit expatica.com and justlanded.com. Pick the country you want to go to, and learn their rules. Some are more strict than others but I found them to be far more welcoming than the States.
One good way to get there is to get your TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. That takes about $2-4,000 and can take as little as a month if done overseas (I looked up taking these classes in the U.S., and they really drag it out a LOT longer). They *want* people whose native language is American English. Many schools even help you find a job after you graduate. In some, you can go as a student (for the TEFL class) and then change to a contractor. Some countries have requirements on how many contracts you need, but that is not a hard requirement to meet. You do not even need past teaching experience to do this one.
Do you need to know the language before you go? It depends. Some countries prefer that, others not. In the case of teaching English, I found that they honestly did not care, even though I *do* speak the language from the country I will be going to. They have many teachers-in-training who still only speak English.
Also, you do not necessarily have to have a skill that very few people have if you want to stay in your field. In technical jobs, they will sometimes take people from anywhere. Just know that you might have to provide for yourself on moving.
For all of it, be willing to be absorbed into another culture, and learn the language. Enjoy your new neighbors! If you spend the rest of your life complaining that you can only speak English or that your language-learning skills are not good, you will likely find yourself very lonely and with far fewer options for the future. I find it curious that I have only ever heard Americans say, "Meh, I am just not good at languages." Dedicate yourself to doing it and it WILL come. May be awhile, but it will.
In my Western world travels, I have only met Americans who think that they cannot leave their country permanently (I am sure that others exist, but I have yet to meet them). Other countries provide a lot more resources to their citizens and their citizens are not afraid of other languages/people. In the US, everyone seems to be taught that the US is the greatest country in the world and that if they leave, ANY other country will be a sub-par existence. That is a lie.
I, for one, am leaving American soil, and giving up my citizenship.
A European @ 74:
That´s my biggest fear right now considering how far up in Bush´s colon you´ll find Angela Merkel´s head. Not to mention the German Minister of Internal Affairs Wolfgang Schäuble.
the 4th Reich is rising @ 78:
My German friends, when visiting me last in the States, told me that they were asked if they or any member of their family was ever involved in the Nazi party. My German friends. Would have been the best if they gave the Family Guy answer: "We were all on vacation!"
PNR will lead ER (Extrordinary Rendition, i.e. kidnapping and torture)
Let's get this news straight, please!!!
If you read the article which is the basis of this thread, you will notice that *nowhere*does it say you will be asked about your religion, sexual preference, race, etc when you are travelling.
What it *does* say is that the EU governments will be able to pass along this aforementioned information to the U.S.
Please understand this vital point before you get carried away and proclaim to everybody how you will be asked all these personal questions when you enter the U.S.
However, what the article fails to mention is where this information will originally come from. From government social security databases on individuals, perhaps?
Yes, it is still scary that the governnent will have that kind of information about us somewhere, perhaps without our prior knowledge. However unless you get this story straight when mentioning it to others you run the risk of ruining your credibility entirely in the future.
So, where do I get my red and yellow star?
I'm running out of ways to describe the lunacy, stupidity, and criminality of the Bushie "braintrust" (and their 28% base). This administration is a haven for Potemkin village idiots.
Total crap.
Molnardian@20, you mean the funniest, most hospitable and mannerly people in the world should GTFO???????????????????
Oh, you're one of THEM, are ya'?
KleineFrau @ 81:
Maybe some of the Americans traveling overseas should be answered the following:
Have you ever been or do you have an ancestor involved in ... segregation, lynching or any destruction of religous symbols through burning; are you a member or have ties associated with Klu Klux Klan or its allies?