Saturday, October 3, 2009

What Really May Have Derailed Chicago's Olympic Bid

Chicago's high-powered presentation to the IOC yesterday was the culmination of a multi-year $48 million effort. But what is going largely unreported is that during the 15 minute Q&A period afterward, Pakistani IOC member Syed Shahid Ali threw a huge bucket of cold water over the proceedings. Ali correctly noted the significant difficulties facing foreigners seeking entry into the United States, and wondered what impact that would have on world visitors to the Chicago games. Obama failed to address Ali's concerns, saying only that hosting the Games in Chicago would be "a reminder that America at its best is open to the world."

America's visa processing issues have been well-publicized throughout much of the world, with some tourists waiting six months or more to have a 10 minute appointment with a visa examiner in an embassy or consulate to visit America on a vacation. Business visas or those for cultural ambassadors, like artists and athletes, are similarly problematic. Many applicants complain that the system is opaque at best and a crap shoot at worst, with few guidelines provided for applicants and rejections issued pro forma.

The visa issue has been an growing problem since new draconian requirements were issued by Bush after 9/11. I've been reading about global resentment to U.S. visa requirements for many years now, and I've got a feeling it's not going to go away on its own.

No comments: