Posts Tagged ‘Passport holders’
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
An article in the USA today states that “For most foreigners, taking a last-minute business or leisure trip to New York, Los Angeles, Miami or other U.S. travel hubs would be nearly impossible. The average wait time for a visa interview in Rio de Janeiro, for example, was 87 days, according to the State Department.”
In a perfect world, visa interview wait times should not be more than a week, travelers would not overstay their visas and terrorists would not apply for visas. However, this not being a perfect world, the US must do its best to balance the importance of visa applications and national security.
Most visitors to the United States enter through the country’s Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program allows travelers from 36 countries to temporarily visit the United States without a visa. Currently, Argentina, Brazil, Poland and Taiwan are not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Many feel that these nations should be added because their residents are not likely to illegally overstay their visas and decide to stay in the United States indefinitely.
It is also tough for tourists from countries like India, China, Mexico to use their passports to travel to the US because they must obtain nonimmigrant visas. The nonimmigrant visa process is lengthy and expensive.
Passport holders who live far away from their country’s visa processing centers must visit the interview location without knowing whether or not their visas will be approved. A proposed solution to the visa interview process is videoconferencing. However, the US Department of State is not willing to explore this option due to safety and technological concerns.
Prior to 9/11, in-person visa application interviews were not required. Visas could be approved by consular officials based solely on responses entered into the visa application. Visa applicants must go through more intense screenings that include fingerprint checks and facial recognition screening of passport photographs.
If you need a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Tags: argentina visa, Brazil visa, emergency passport, how to get a passport, how to get a visa, India visa, manhattan passport office, mexico visa, nonimmigrant visa, NY Passport, passport, Passport holders, passport office, passport photos, passports, Rio de Janeiro, rush passport, Taiwan visa, US Passport Card, Visa, visa application, visa-waiver program, visas
Posted in Latest Passport News, Visa | Comments Off
Monday, January 2nd, 2012
Customs officers in the United States check passports of non-resident visitors everyday at airports all over the country. Passport holders from countries all over the world visit the United States and spend money on food, hotels, clothing and souvenirs. Visitors use their passports to visit New York City, Las Vegas, Disney World and a host of other destinations.
While the tourist industry in the United States is doing well, many believe that it could be doing better. Passport holders abroad must sometimes wait months to find out whether or not their tourist visa applications will be approved. This inconvenience may cause travelers who wish to come to the United States to use their passports to travel to other destinations instead.
It was not always the case that foreign visitors had to wait so long to get a tourist visa to visit the US. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks foreign visitors certainly have a tougher time getting a temporary visa. A campaign is in motion that may sway Congress into giving the US Department of State’s tourist visa application process an overhaul.
The proposed amendments to the US passport and visa process are expected to increase the number of visitors to the United States. However, while tourism may see a boost, these changes must not compromise the nation’s security. It is not an easy task for the State Department to increase passport visa services while maintaining tight security.
When it comes to visa services in the United States, security is the top priority. The visa system must enforce the immigration laws of the United States. Some are opposed to increasing the number of visitors because they feel that more visas would mean that the nation would be placed at greater risk.
The risk of freely handing out visas doesn’t only mean that there is more potential for terrorism, it also means that people may enter the country with temporary visas and never return to their countries of origin. While the US Department of State would like people who enter the US with visas to go home when their visas expire, many people want to come and live here.
If you need a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Tags: argentina visa, Brazil visa, emergency passport, how to get a passport, how to get a visa, India visa, manhattan passport office, NY Passport, passport, Passport holders, passport office, passports, rush passport, Taiwan visa, US Passport Card, Visa, visa application, visa-waiver program, visas
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Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
According to a recent article posted on bloomberg.com millions of tourists visited the United States from overseas to celebrate the 2011 holiday season. These tourists all needs passports and sometimes visas to visit the US. These foreign passport holders spend billions of dollars in the United States. However, groups such as the U.S. Travel Association think that the US could have even more tourists in 2012 and bring in much more revenue.
New York City is the most popular travel destination and gets millions of visitors. However, according the article, New York City and the rest of the United States could get even more tourists if it wasn’t for the US visa bureaucracy. It seems that the current visa system is unprepared to handle the growth in the demand for US tourist visas and business visas. It seems that passport holders in China must wait weeks for visa interviews. Passport holders from Brazil and India who wish to visit the United States must also wait weeks for visa interviews.
The article doesn’t only mention problems, but also offers solutions to the visa problem. The article suggests increasing visa officers in the high- growth markets such as China, Brazil and India. This would help passport holders in those countries get visas more quickly. Another suggestion would be to hold visa interviews for applicants who don’t reside close to US consulates. The third suggestion would be to ease the requirement for in-person visa interviews. It seems that all of these three ideas were incorporated into the latest budget legislation that President Obama signed.
Another idea that could bring more travelers to the US in 2012 would be to expand the Visa Waiver Program. Currently passport holders from 36 countries are permitted to visit the United States without a visa. In order to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, countries must have a low refusal rate when granting nonimmigrant visas to American citizens, take steps to improve their passport security, and share law-enforcement and security data with the United States.
One of the problems with expanding the Visa Waiver Program is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be able to verify the departures of almost all foreign visitors who arrive by air. That presents a great problem because there are many citizens from Brazil, India and China who would like to live in the United States permanently. Once inside the US, they may never return. It is estimated that currently there are millions of illegal immigrants in the US who have overstayed their visas.
If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Tags: American Passport, american visa, bloomberg.com, Brazil visa, brazilian visa, China visa, chinese visa, India visa, Indian visa, passport, Passport holders, passport ny, passport nyc, rush passport, United States, US passport, US visa, visa ny, visa nyc, visa-waiver program
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Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Passports can be confiscated from passport holders if they are considered to be a risk to leave the country. Such is the case for USA cricket team captain, Steve Massiah. Massiah’s passport was confiscated by the US and his travel is restricted to New York following his November 22nd arrest for falsifying mortgage loan applications.
Massiah, the USA team captain, is not only without a passport, but he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. While Massiah is confined to New York, he was given permission to travel to Florida for the US Cricket Open. Obviously he didn’t need his passport as he did not travel internationally from New York to Florida.
It is unlikely that Massiah will be participating for the New York Region in the USACA Twenty20 Nationals scheduled from January 20 to 22 in Florida. It is in that tournament where the USA squad will be selected for the ICC World Tournament. Without a passport, Massiah will not be of much use to the US Team.
It is alleged that Massiah and two others planned to participate in a scheme to defraud Countrywide Home Loans by obtaining funds under fraudulent pretenses.
While it is a right for US citizens to obtain passports, it is also a privilege to hold a valid US passport. Passport privileges can be revoked on a case by case basis.
If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Tags: cricket, expedited passport, New York Passport, NYC Passport, passport, passport agency, Passport holders, passport ny, passport office, passport photos, passport renewal, Passport Services, passports, rush passport, steve massiah, US Passport Card, USA
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011
Passport fees too expensive? Do you think that passports cost too much money? Two members of congress from NY have a plan to make passports more affordable. Democrats Brian Higgins and Kathy Hochul represent districts near the US – Canada border where thousands of passport holders travel cross each day.
Their constituents not only want the passport fees to be lower, but they need passports now more than ever before due to the stricter requirements for travelers wishing to cross the US – Canada border.
The plan to lower the cost of passports may carry some weight since both Higgins and Hochul server on the Homeland Security Committee.
An adult passport currently costs $110 + $25 processing fee. The adult passport is good for 10 years. The cost is approximately $13 per year. Proponents think that by lowering the cost of getting a passport more people will apply for passports. Others think that passport fees are already low enough. New technology and security measures have made the cost of producing a US passport rise. By lowering the cost of the passport, the passports would actually cost the US Department of State money.
If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida
Tags: adult passport, NYC Passport Agency, passport, passport blog, passport book, passport card, passport cost, passport emergency, passport fees, Passport holders, passport nyc, passport photos, passports, same day passport, US Department of State, US passport
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Friday, April 22nd, 2011
95-year-old Leland Davidson had been an undocumented US citizen for his entire life. Davidson was born in Canada to American Parents. When he was five, his parents (both US passport holders) moved back to the US to raise their son in America.
Davidson voted, obtained his social security number and even served in the United States Navy during WWII.
His US citizenship came automatically because his parents were both born in the US. Although Davidson was born in Canada, since his parents were both US passport holders, he was automatically given US citizenship.
However, last summer he was planning a trip to Canada and applied for an enhanced Washington State Driver’s License. He was told by the Department of Licensing that he couldn’t get an enhanced driver’s license because he was a Canadian citizen.
Davidson was trying to get an enhanced driver’s license to travel to Canada. The enhanced driver’s license can be used to enter Canada from the US and return back to the US in lieu of a passport.
Davidson was shocked. He thought of himself as a US citizen for 95 years and now he was told that he was a Canadian citizen. After a few months and a lot of red tape, Davidson finally was recognized as a US citizen. Davidson can get an enhanced driver’s license or a US passport to travel between the US and Canada. A US passport will also allow him to travel the world if he so wishes.
Davidson said he never got a US passport because he never traveled abroad. For years he had traveled back and forth to Canada, but never had to show more than a driver’s license.
All of that changed 2 years ago when the US government regulations changed and a passport or enhanced driver’s license was now required for people traveling by land to Canada from the US.
Need a Passport?
If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.
Tags: Canada, emergency passport, expedited passport, get a passport, need a passport, passport, passport agency, passport agent, passport card, Passport holders, passport nyc, passports, rush passport, US citizen
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Thursday, March 31st, 2011
What is a passport?
A passport is a travel document. The passport generally comes in the form of a small booklet. A passport has several functions. Not only does a passport enable a person to travel outside of their home country, a passport has other functions. While a passport does not automatically grant a passport holder the right to enter any country, US passport holders may travel to many countries without having to get further documentation. A passport also acts as proof of citizenship. A person holding a U.S. Passport is recognized internationally a United States citizen.
What is a passport card?
The passport card first because available in July 2008. A passport card is a wallet-sized travel document that can be utilized to travel from the US to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land and sea. The passport card is not valid for air travel. The passport card is very convenient for US citizens who live close to the US border with Mexico or Canada and to those who travel frequently by land or sea. Passport cards cannot be used for travel to destinations other than Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. Passport cards cannot be used for any air travel whatsoever.
For how long is a US passport valid?
The length of time that a passport is valid for depends on the passport holder’s age. Adult US passports for individuals ages 16 and older are valid for a period of 10 years. Children ages 15 and under receive passports that are valid for 5 years.
If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.
Tags: adult passport, air travel, Canada, Caribbean, child passport, Mexico, passport, passport booklet, passport card, Passport holders, passports, travel document, U.S. Passport, US passport, what is a passport card
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011
US passport holders in Japan are getting some help from the US State Department. The US State Department began distributing potassium iodide at Tokyo’s New Sanno Hotel from 10:00am t0 5:00pm to all US citizens with valid US passports. US passport holders could obtain seven 130 mg pills. Passport holders who obtained the potassium iodide were required to sign a release holding the U.S. government “harmless for the provision of this medication.” The form US passport holders were asked to fill out also stated: “While no indication exists that it is currently advisable to take potassium iodide, the U.S. Government is making this medication available upon your request to use as advised if circumstances change.”
In the event of a nuclear radiation emergency, potassium iodide is given because it is a thyroid-blocking agent. US passport holders taking this medication are doing so at their own risk.
The US State Department is doing all that they can to help evacuate US passport holders from Japan. Those US citizens holding US passports who refuse to leave Japan are being offered the potassium iodide in an effort to minimize the effects of nuclear radiation.
This is just one example of the many benefits of being a valid US passport holder.
If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, first time passport, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.
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Friday, March 25th, 2011
Passport emergency? Do you need to get a passport immediately? If you are thinking about traveling abroad, but don’t have a passport, don’t let that stop you. You can get a same day passport and be on the flight to a location overseas too! If you would like to get a US passport, Rush Passport™ can help! Whether your passport is expired, your passport is lost, or if you are applying for a US passport for the first time, Rush Passport™ can make your trips come true.
The passport application process can seem confusing for passport applicants applying for a first time passport. However, getting a US passport is easy as long as you have all of the necessary items.
To get a US passport, the first step is to complete the passport application. The passport application at the following website: New US Passport Application
It is important to remember not to sign the passport application until it is submitted in person.
You will also need to have 2 passport photos. The passport photos need to follow particular guidelines. Passport photos must feature the subject framed properly with full face, front view, and eyes are opened.
The passport photo must present full head from top of hairline to bottom of chin. The head should be centered within the passport photo. Subject should be photographed against a plain white or off-white background and there should be no distracting shadows on the face of the subject or in the background. Subject should be encouraged to have a natural expression so that the passport photos will be accepted. The passport photos will be submitted at the passport agency.
Rush Passport™ , passport expeditors, accepts US passport applications at our NYC passport agency. It is important to have your 2 passport photos, your passport application (unsigned), proof of U.S. citizenship, valid identification, and the accompanying passport fees.
As of March 2011, the US Dept of State is processing passports within a four-six week period. But, if you need to travel right away, that’s not much help. Rush Passport™ has the solution. At Rush Passport™ we can get your passport for you in the same day. Our passport expediting service is the fastest and most reliable method for you to get your US passport when you are in a rush.
You can apply for a US passport booklet or a US passport card. You can even apply for both the US passport booklet and the US passport card at the same time. Keep in mind that while a US passport card is less expensive than a US passport booklet, it is not as widely accepted as a US passport booklet.
According to the US Department of State, a US passport card is only valid for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. A US passport booklet is more widely accepted at countries all over the world.
If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.
Tags: adult passport, emergency passport, expedited passport, expired passport, get a passport, new passport, passport, passport agency, passport agency nyc, passport application, passport booklet, passport card, Passport holders, passports, rush passport, same day passport, US passport, US Passport Book, US Passport Card, US Passports
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Are you considering getting a US passport? Is your passport expired? Is your passport lost? Or is this the first time that you are applying for a US passport? When applying for a first time passport, the passport application process can seem overwhelming. We don’t think that getting a US passport should be so difficult as long as you have the necessary pieces of the passport puzzle.
In order to get a US passport, you must first complete the passport application. You can find the passport application at the following website: New US Passport Application
One thing that is important to remember is that you should not sign the passport application until you submit it in person.
You should also be prepared with 2 passport photos. The passport photos will be submitted at the passport agency.
Rush Passport™ accepts US passport applications at our NYC passport agency. Be sure to have your 2 passport photos, your unsigned passport application, proof of U.S. citizenship, valid identification, and the necessary passport fees.
Currently, the US Dept of State is processing passports within a 4-6 week period. However, if you need to travel right away, that may not be a solution. Rush Passport™ can help. At Rush Passport™ we can get your passport for you in the same day, Our passport expediting service is the quickest and most reliable way to get your US passport when you need it in a hurry.
Not only can you apply for a US passport booklet, but you may apply for a US passport card as well. A US passport card is less expensive than a US passport booklet and it is not as widely accepted as a US passport booklet. According to the US Dept of State, a US passport card is only valid for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. A US passport is accepted to several more foreign countries around the world.
If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.
Tags: emergency passport, passport, passport agency, passport agency nyc, passport application, passport booklet, passport card, Passport holders, passports, rush passport, US passport, US Passports
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