US to impose stricter visa rule

Cross post from GD

Passengers travelling to the United States from countries whose citizens do not need visas must register online with the US government at least 72 hours before departure, in the latest measure to strengthen American security.

The new rule is expected to be announced on Tuesday by Michael Chertoff, the Homeland Security secretary, and take effect in January.

Visitors leaving US face tighter security - Apr-22Brussels and US pledge visa-free travel - Mar-14US visa dispute divides the EU - Mar-12Visitors to Europe face fingerprinting - Feb-14New ID rules overwhelm US - Aug-15Agencies scramble to help business travellers - Aug-15European companies last year expressed concern after the Homeland Security department floated the idea of requiring passengers to register 48 hours in advance, believing it could complicate last-minute business travel. Although the new rule requires 72 hours advance registration, it will be valid for multiple entries over a two-year period ...

More: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/2a8dbbfe-30d8-11dd-bc93-000077b07658.html

It is getting ridiculous

My wife and I were suppose to go to the US this summer, but canceled our plans. She is Korean and right now there is no visa waiver between the two countries (although there is one in the works). We've been married two and a half years and she has yet to meet my family. The US Embassy won't issue her a visa without solid proof that I'm coming back to Korea (they weren't even really interested in whether she had proof of having a job). Part of the problem is I'll be changing jobs in August, when we planned to travel and don't have another job quite yet. It sucks big time. Hopefully next year we can make the trip.