Time is running out!! – Ambassador Kupiecki asks for your help!
Your action is needed Today!
Recently several members of the Board of Directors of the Austin Polish Society met with Poland’s ambassador to the U.S., Robert Kupiecki. During his Austin visit, Ambassador Kupiecki brought our attention to The Secure Travel and Counter-terrorism Partnership Act of 2011 (S. 497 and H.R. 959).
Ambassador Kupiecki has asked the Austin Polish Society to help with the effort to pass the Visa Waver Program that is in Congress now. The Bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify the requirements of the visa waiver program. The bill, currently in Congress would change the visa requirements for visitors from Poland.
THE PROBLEM: While Europeans from other countries travel here without visas, our friends and families in Poland need a visa to enter the US. Poland has been a long time friend and ally of the United States going back to the American Revolutionary War. Poland has stood alongside the US sending thousands of troupes to battles including the Gulf war and Afghanistan. There is no reason for the citizens of Poland to be required to apply for a visa to enter the US. The need for a visa discourages citizens of Poland from traveling to the US.
While the rest of Europe is struggling economically, Poland’s economy is emerging. It is critical for you and your friends to call and write your Senators and Representatives to pass this bill.
Fast Forward to 25 minutes 55 seconds for the Visa Waver discussion
THE DETAILS: The bill, number H.R. 959, is sponsored in the House by Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois.
These are the co-sponsors of the bill that are friendly towards Polonia: Rep. Shelley Berkley [D-NV], Rep. Brian Higgins [D-NY], Rep. Duncan Hunter [R-CA], Rep. Marcy Kaptur [D-OH], Rep. Daniel Lipinski [D-IL], Rep. William (Bill) Pascrell, Jr. [D-NJ], Rep. Jared Polis [D-CO], Rep. Janice (Jan) Schakowsky [D-IL], Rep. John Shimkus [R-IL].
THE SOLUTION: To this end, we strongly urge you to saturate the Congressional delegations of all states by phone, letters, and the Internet. In particular, we ask you to:
1. Pay particular attention to those Representatives and Senators from your state who also serve on the Committee of the Judiciary (the lists are provided below) and express to them how important the passage of the bill is to you and your family and urge them to support the bill and ensure the legislation’s successful referral “out of Committee” for a vote on the floor of both houses.
2. If your Representatives and/or Senators are not in the Committee to which the bill was referred, please urge them strongly to support the bill by becoming its co-sponsor (if they are not already).
3. Once the bill leaves the Committee and comes up for a vote, urge your Representatives and Senators to vote for the passage of the bill.
4. Finally, please make sure to express your appreciation and gratitude to those legislators who already took action. This will let your legislators know that you are genuinely concerned about the issue, as well as realize the importance of the bill to our community. They would like to hear from you and will appreciate your support.
Click here to Write to Your Representative
About the bill: http://thomas.loc.gov and enter bill number: H.R.959 or S.497
About your Representatives: www.house.gov or by calling (202) 224-3121
About your Senators: www.senate.gov or by calling (202) 224-3121
Other Resources and information:
The Kosciuszko Foundation
Obama opens door for Polish visa waiver
We Can Make a Difference – 112th Congress: 2011-2012
To make a difference now call, email, write letters by 2/15/12.
Thank you.