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"I feel that Americans should have a
special place in their heart for Liberia and Liberians," says
Massachusetts State Representative Benjamin Swan. June 17, 2009  Rep.
Swan who represents Springfield in the State of Massachusetts, made the
statement in an interview with the Editor of the liberiawebs Sunday,
June 14, 2009 in Springfield, MA. The US lawmaker was responding to questions on the latest campaign by the Founder and Executive Director of the Universal Human Rights International (UHRI), Torli Krua to persuade the United States Government to grant Liberians visa waiver. In a more affirmative way, Rep. Swan traced the social, political and cultural relationship between the United States and the Republic of Liberia that he believes cannot be ignored. He said, "We need more intercourse between United States and Liberia." Such intercourse, Mr. Swan noted should cover two major areas – visa waiverf and dual citizenship for all Liberians. He wants modification of the US Immigration policy in favor of Liberia: "They should have a very special arrangement between the US and Liberia. I think Liberians should have dual citizenship." He said in his own opinion Liberians should not have to worry about visa if they want to come to visit the US. "Liberians should have visa exemption to come to the US," he added. There are 35 countries that have been granted waiver under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but Rep. Swan questions what does not qualified Liberia to be granted similar privilege, against the backdrop that Liberia is one of the oldest ally of the United States of America. Mr. Swan said he is aware that to achieve visa waiver for Liberians will involve "great deal of lobbying at Congress", but he is optimistic that Massachusetts Senator John F. Kerry is one of those lawmakers who could give a push to the process. Senator Kerry is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Rep. Swan said of him, "I think he will be sympathetic; I think he has the understanding of the Liberian situation and the right tone to make it work." Under the visa waiver program, citizens of countries granted waiver may visit the United States under 90 days without requiring entry visa, but some are arguing that Liberians may abuse the privilege. But Rep. Swan does not think Liberians will abuse the privilege. "With peace in Liberia prevailing and recovery in the country," he argues, "I don't believe there will be a problem; I don't believe there will problem any more than the other 35 nations that have visa waiver relationship with the United States." He also said he does not think Liberians will trample on each other to come to America only because they have visa waiver. According to him there are Liberians who have Green Card (Permanent Residence Permit) and others who have degrees are returning to the country to help with the recovery process. Mr. Swan is partnering with the Executive Director of UHRI, Torli Krua who is presently campaigning for Liberians to be granted visa waiver by the USA. Rep. Swan and Mr. Krua do not think there is any sufficient justification for the U.S not to grant unto Liberians a visa waiver privilege. There are 35 countries specified under Section 101(b)(5) o the INA and the purpose of Visa Waiver. Liberia is not among the countries presently enjoying the visa waiver program (VWA) under the U.S laws. The countries that are presently under the VWP are Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemboourg, Malta and Monaco. Others are Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Finland,San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei, New Zealand, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom (full British citizens). The Visa Waiver Program enables citizens of countries to travel to the United States for the purpose of tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of promoting better relations between the United States and its allies, eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. Under the U.S laws, Visa Waiver eligible travelers may continue to apply for a United States Visa if they prefer, but it is not required for stays up to 90 days. The program requires passport and eligibility that must both be fulfilled. The US has instituted since January 12, 2009 the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) as the new pre-departure requirement for all visa waiver travelers, but Rep. Swan noted that is too strenuous for Liberians to call to another country before they can obtain appointment interviews. "This is unfair," he added. The Visa Waiver Program Information Guide offers a comprehensive, detailed, and easy to understand guide so that you can successfully travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Observers believe Liberia is probably the longest and most faithful traditional ally of the United States of America both in war and in peace time. The Republic of Liberia was founded as a place to send free black slaves by the America Colonization Society under the authority of a United States Congressional charter in 1816. the American colonization Society purchased the land in 1822 from tribal chiefs. The price included a box of beads, three pairs of shoes, a box of soap, one barrel of rum, and twelve spoons. By 1865, 14,000 slaves freed from America, and 6,000 from elsewhere, had settled in Liberia. In fact Monrovia was named after America's 5th President James Monroe and the flag of Liberia was styled and designed after that of the USA, which observers believe show how close Liberia is to the United States. History has shown that African Americans citizens of the United States fleeing racial segregation were granted automatic citizenship upon arriving in Liberia. In fact, ten of Liberia's 22 elected presidents were African Americans born and educated in the United States. |
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