AHI: Greece’s VWP Designation Strengthens U.S.-Greece Relations
WASHINGTON, DC—Greece’s designation as a member of the United States’ Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by the Obama Administration on March 9, 2010 strengthens U.S.-Greece relations and will benefit citizens of both countries, announced the American Hellenic Institute. “We applaud Tuesday’s announcement by the Obama Administration,” said Executive Director Nick Larigakis. “We commend the United States and Greece for working together diligently over the past several years to complete this important process that will strengthen security, increase commerce and tourism, and make it easier for our families to visit from Greece. We also thank Congress, and in particular the Hellenic Caucus and the Greek American congressional delegation, for working to ensure past and current administrations knew the importance of the issue to the Greek American community.” Greece’s visa waiver designation means that Greek citizens are permitted to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa for tourism or business purposes only. This will take effect in approximately 30 days from the March 9, 2010 announcement by the Department of Homeland Security. Larigakis also applauded the efforts of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) for being at the forefront of this issue and for keeping the Greek American community engaged. “AHEPA is to be congratulated for its ongoing awareness campaigns over the years to heighten visibility of the merits of Greece’s candidacy and the overall importance of expanding the visa waiver program to key audiences,” Larigakis said. For basic facts about what Greece’s visa waiver program designation means, please visit AHEPA’s web site (click here) or the Department of Homeland Security, www.dhs.gov. The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American think-tank and public policy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.
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For additional information, please contact C. Franciscos Economides at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site at https://www.ahiworld.org. |
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AHI: Greece’s VWP Designation Strengthens U.S.-Greece Relations
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