Tuesday, March 16, 2004 2:22 PM
Last year, Australian Sue Smethurst was stopped by border guards at LAX, questioned, handcuffed, probed, held in a detention center for 15 hours, and then sent back on the long flight home. Was she plotting a terrorist attack? No, she was coming to interview Olivia Newton-John.
Similar rude surprises have awaited at least 20 journalists from countries such as France, England, Germany, and the Netherlands since last May, when some L.A. border control personnel began enforcing the previously ignored Journalist Visa requirement for reporters visiting from the 27 friendly nations otherwise covered by the United States’ “Visa Waiver” program. Now, journalists – unlike tourists or businessmen – are singled out for a special requirement that costs $100 and can take weeks to process.
The Department of Homeland Security says rules are rules, and diligence in the cause of preventing another Sept. 11 massacre is no vice. Press-freedom groups say U.S. policy is beginning to resemble that of such illiberal countries as Cuba and Iran. And diplomats warn that American journalists could soon taste similar medicine.
What, exactly, are the new rules, and why are they being enforced? How is this affecting America’s battered image abroad, and its security at home?
WHAT: Targeting Journalists – a panel discussion on why reporters now need special visas to visit the United States.
WHO: John H. Heinrich, Director of Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs & Boarder Protection in Los Angeles; David C. Stewart, Consul General – U.S. Consulate General Tijuana; Michael Wolff, press attaché, Consulate of Germany; and others.
Moderator: Matt Welch, media columnist for Reason magazine and contributor to The National Post.
WHERE: Los Angeles Press Club’s seminar room, 6464 Sunset Blvd, 8th floor.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 7th. 6:30 p.m. – cocktails and networking. Program starts at 7:30 p.m.
Press Club members $5, non-members $20, members joining that evening free. Drinks and snacks included.
RSVP: to info@lapressclub.org or call 323-469-8180.
Co-sponsored by PR Newswire.
