The Globe and Mail reports that samoe-day cross border visits between the US and Canada for June dropped 26% this year upon implementation of WHTI (the Western Hempisphere Travel Initiative).
"The dramatic drop in travel across the Canada-U.S. border shows that the fears of many in the tourism industry in both countries are coming to pass. After the tougher passport rules were announced in 2005 as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, many industry groups warned that the regulations would further discourage Americans already reluctant to travel due to the high dollar and gas prices."
Leave it to the US to make our best international friend an enemy in the name of security. This program, and its lack of real-world context (fear of terrorist attack FROM Canada? Is this 1812?) illustrates the worst of US political pandering and electioneering. And it illustrates the immediate need for the elimination of the Department of Homeland Security (my gosh but that has such a totalitarian ring to it...no wonder in a republic where we call our department heads "Czars").
Spain is leading the ranking of worldwide expatriate destinations. In 2008, the country welcomed almost 800,000 foreigners, followed by Germany and the UK (Eurostat, 2008).
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm a radio producer for a national public radio show. We are looking for American Expats to join a roundtable discussion--comparing healthcare in the US to other systems abroad. Please email me if you'd be interested in participating. I can explain more about the show via email: chelsea_merz@wgbh.org.
All best, Chelsea