Baltic Leaders Press For End To US Visa Restrictions

EUbusiness (VILNIUS)-The presidents of the Baltic states on 16 January pressed for an end to entry restrictions on their citizens travelling to the United States. In a joint statement to mark the 10th anniversary of a US-Baltic defense pact, Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania, Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia, and Valdis Zatlers of Latvia said that dropping visa hurdles for "the proven friends of the United States in Europe will further the spirit of modern partnership between our countries and fulfill the vision of transatlantic alliance". However, unlike citizens of most other EU member countries in Western Europe, nationals of the Baltic States must obtain visas to enter the United States, even though it is easy for US nationals to travel in the opposite direction

Comment:
The US requirements are partly a result of concerns that citizens of states where living standards are lower than in Western Europe sometimes remain in the United States after their visas have expired, taking advantage of a tourist trip to migrate illegally.