| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: NICK LARIGAKIS March 26, 1998 No. 16/98 AHI PLAYS PIVOTAL ROLE IN WINNING On March 25, 1998, the House of Representatives passed by an overwhelming majority an Amendment providing for visa waivers for Greek citizens. The Amendment was offered on a bipartisan basis by Richard Pombo (R-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Michael Pappas (R-NJ) and Patrick Kennedy (D-RI). The Amendment passed by a vote of 360-46. Given that the Senate passed similar legislation in Fall 1997, this Amendment takes immediate effect. The effect of this Amendment is that Greek citizens making short-term visits to the United States will no longer have to seek visas for their trips. This affords Greek citizens a privileged status in line with other European countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany. The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) congratulates those responsible for passing this historic Amendment. AHI felt privileged to support their efforts. It was especially appropriate that the Amendment passed on the very day commemorating the 177th Anniversary of Greek Independence. AHI was particularly gratified to learn from congressional sources that its own efforts had played a pivotal role in making this Amendment possible. |
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AHI Plays Pivotal Role in Winning VISA Waiver for Greek Citizens
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