ABTC / APEC Business Travel Card — U.S. Policy Discussion
Sep 22, 2012, 12:58 pm
#47
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Sep 22, 2012, 9:07 pm
#48
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A reminder: Political argumentation and characterizations need to go to OMNI/PR.
cblaisd
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cblaisd
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Sep 23, 2012, 4:44 am
#50
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Recently passed legislation now authorizes the United States to issue the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) to eligible U.S. citizens. The cards will allow U.S. ABTC holders to receive expedited scheduling of visa interviews and access to fast-track immigration lanes at airports in APEC's 21 economies.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is working to implement the program as soon as possible. Once the ABTC production commences in the United States, information will be available at [email protected]
For further information contact:
CBP INFO Centre
General Inquiries: 1-877-CBP-5511
International Callers: (703) 526-4200
http://www.cbp.gov/
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is working to implement the program as soon as possible. Once the ABTC production commences in the United States, information will be available at [email protected]
For further information contact:
CBP INFO Centre
General Inquiries: 1-877-CBP-5511
International Callers: (703) 526-4200
http://www.cbp.gov/
From here.
Sounds like wait some more to me. Nothing moves quickly at the federal government level unless it is to their advantage.
There are 21 economies currently participating in the ABTC Scheme: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, PNG, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam. Canada, the Russian Federation and the United States are currently Transitional Members of the scheme, which allow cardholders from all participating economies to use 'fast-track' immigration lanes (currently designated for air-crew) at major international airports.
Sep 23, 2012, 7:10 am
#51
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Since DHS has gotten more or less a "bipartisan" carte blanch to run this too in the manner DHS wishes, the non-performance delays are no surprise.
They want to exclude US citizens from participation even more frequently than US citizens are excluded from Global Entry.
They want to exclude US citizens from participation even more frequently than US citizens are excluded from Global Entry.
Sep 23, 2012, 5:51 pm
#52
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APEC's travel and tourism (resultu of using and belonging to APEC) was worth 3.2 trillion smackaroos last year. I guess the good ole US of A doesn't want a share of that.
I'll be the first in line for that card. Would save lots of pages in my passport since the card is supposed to be the same as a visa (in full participating countries) but I'm sure the US will find a way to impose harsh conditions for all the others.
I'll be the first in line for that card. Would save lots of pages in my passport since the card is supposed to be the same as a visa (in full participating countries) but I'm sure the US will find a way to impose harsh conditions for all the others.
Sep 23, 2012, 7:24 pm
#53
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APEC's travel and tourism (resultu of using and belonging to APEC) was worth 3.2 trillion smackaroos last year. I guess the good ole US of A doesn't want a share of that.
I'll be the first in line for that card. Would save lots of pages in my passport since the card is supposed to be the same as a visa (in full participating countries) but I'm sure the US will find a way to impose harsh conditions for all the others.
I'll be the first in line for that card. Would save lots of pages in my passport since the card is supposed to be the same as a visa (in full participating countries) but I'm sure the US will find a way to impose harsh conditions for all the others.
Sep 24, 2012, 3:15 am
#54
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APEC's travel and tourism (resultu of using and belonging to APEC) was worth 3.2 trillion smackaroos last year. I guess the good ole US of A doesn't want a share of that.
I'll be the first in line for that card. Would save lots of pages in my passport since the card is supposed to be the same as a visa (in full participating countries) but I'm sure the US will find a way to impose harsh conditions for all the others.
I'll be the first in line for that card. Would save lots of pages in my passport since the card is supposed to be the same as a visa (in full participating countries) but I'm sure the US will find a way to impose harsh conditions for all the others.
Sep 24, 2012, 6:00 pm
#55
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Yes, the US accepts it but will they ever accept it in lieu of a visa for say, a Chinese businessman?
Probably never.
The idea of the card is to replace, according to APEC, a visa in full-participating countries. The US is not yet a fully participating country but I doubt the US will ever extend the same 'curtesies'.
Probably never.
The idea of the card is to replace, according to APEC, a visa in full-participating countries. The US is not yet a fully participating country but I doubt the US will ever extend the same 'curtesies'.
Sep 26, 2012, 8:35 am
#56
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Folks,
Please read the OP. We are talking about ABTC for U.S. citizens. Congress has passed this. The question is when will the CBP implement it.
US has allowed foreigners with ABTCs priority immigration clearance for several years. Thus the signs in the airport. This is nothing new and not what this thread is about.
Please read the OP. We are talking about ABTC for U.S. citizens. Congress has passed this. The question is when will the CBP implement it.
US has allowed foreigners with ABTCs priority immigration clearance for several years. Thus the signs in the airport. This is nothing new and not what this thread is about.
Sep 26, 2012, 4:58 pm
#57
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Folks,
Please read the OP. We are talking about ABTC for U.S. citizens. Congress has passed this. The question is when will the CBP implement it.
US has allowed foreigners with ABTCs priority immigration clearance for several years. Thus the signs in the airport. This is nothing new and not what this thread is about.
Please read the OP. We are talking about ABTC for U.S. citizens. Congress has passed this. The question is when will the CBP implement it.
US has allowed foreigners with ABTCs priority immigration clearance for several years. Thus the signs in the airport. This is nothing new and not what this thread is about.
Like with TSA, this ABTC situation for US citizens is another DHS foot-dragging situation that arises from the "better 'safe' than sorry" CYA approach of those in position to get this implemented sooner ..... like yesterday ... but not really eager to have gotten it done already.
Sep 26, 2012, 11:54 pm
#58
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Almost a year has passed since the law authorizing issuance of ABTC travel cards to U.S. citizens was enacted, but it has yet to be implemented by the U.S. government.
But I won't comment on why that might or might not be.
It simply is.
But I won't comment on why that might or might not be.
It simply is.
Sep 30, 2012, 10:43 am
#59
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This is so bloody frustrating.
This has nothing to do with securing US borders...what we're talking about is giving US Passport holders (already semi-trusted travelers by virtue of their required GE status) the right to apply for a card which will make it easier to go to other countries!
Foreigners holding APEC cards already get to use the Diplomat/Crew queues when entering the US. If there was a risk to the US, it would be those people coming into the US....not Americans going overseas!!
This has nothing to do with securing US borders...what we're talking about is giving US Passport holders (already semi-trusted travelers by virtue of their required GE status) the right to apply for a card which will make it easier to go to other countries!
Foreigners holding APEC cards already get to use the Diplomat/Crew queues when entering the US. If there was a risk to the US, it would be those people coming into the US....not Americans going overseas!!