We are a hugging nation. Publicly, hugs are encountered everywhere, airports, shopping malls, encounters on a neighborhood street, playground, park, at the country club, at the movie theatre and more. Hugs are frequent in private, at home, at family parties and celebrations, an endless list. Americans hug strangers as we make fast friends, find common threads of interest or share a humorous moment.
It is no myth that we are a welcome-mat nation, long known for opening our arms to generations of immigrants; a Melting Pot, weaving our fabric of ethnic diversity. In light of recent revelations, when it comes to welcoming visitors to our shores, the status of our welcome-mat becomes quite another matter.
According to a New York Times article, March 15th and sited below) those seeking a visit to our nation must answer off the wall questions or confess, if they dare, to outrageous secrets. Before traveling to just visit the USA, a foreigners must pay $14 to complete an online United States government form called ESTA, short for Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
ESTA has space for your personal data, (name, date of birth, the usual.) It also asks whether you are guilty of “moral turpitude,” whether you’re planning crimes or “immoral activities” and whether you suffer from “lymphogranuloma venereum” (don’t ask). How would you answer these questions? Mostly just leave them blank out of astonishment if no other reason. The request to fill out such a form to visit our country is unique in the realm of travel. Most democracies do not require a visa let alone require such a nasty form and charging a fee ($14).
As a child, I remember hugs as being special, performed for good or specific reasons. They were proper for family,. for close friends or a special someone you haven't seen for ages. I do celebrate and enjoy our growing friendliness and the hug-epidemic of today. Hugs are so welcome and comforting when sincere and warm. Americans are seen hugging all over the place, expected in some locations.
Why then does this ESTA form get thrown in the face of would be tourists or alleged trying encounters with gruff immigration personnel? We the citizens did not make these rules, we wish to maintain our aura as the friendly Americans that we truly are, hugging and welcoming, open and eager to meet folks from other lands.
Is this another wall put in the way of foreigners coming to our shores? I was astonished by the article that I have quoted above an offer the URL if you would like to read more. I worry that all foreign visitors will be required to speak English before they disembark from the plane or ship that brought them here.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/opinion/the-unwelcome-mat.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
Ann Carol Goldberg
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