New Immigration Rules Stir Up Fears in the U.S.

Tourism officials in the city of Miami and other travel destinations across the country are afraid of the possible negative impact that new immigration rules for foreign travelers –in force since September 30- might have on the local tourist industry.

Trippers from Germany, United Kingdom, Japan and two dozen other countries that need no visas to enter the United States are from now on required to have their fingerprints taken and be photographed upon arrival.

Caribbean News Digital has learned the new measures have already caused massive demonstrations and complaints in European countries whose nationals won’t be allowed in the U.S. despite having entry visas stamped on their passports.

”Any action that hampers travelers’ ability to move freely in and out of the country will send bad vibes up and down the entire national economy,” said Bill Talbert, chairman of the Grand Miami Visitors & Conventions Office.

The state of Florida has had enough on its plate this year with four devastating hurricanes between August and September. Nicky Grossman, top planner of events and conventions in Ft. Lauderdale, hopes “the new rules won’t be a bother to tourists as long as they are performed in an expedite fashion.”

The immigration guidelines were enforced by the administration of President George W. Bush. As British sunbather David Ladipo put it recently, “the American paranoia has very few tricks left to pull out its hat right now.”