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High-Tech Visas Under Debate Regarding Immigration

Immigration is a critical subject currently, as the white house pursues to reach a deal that satisfies all sides. One of the issues that has risen within the debate are high-tech visas. It appears it is now rising many concerns, as even senators make their responses to the visa topic.

Fox News reported yesterday that senators are debating over whether to increase visa accessibility to high-tech workers. Also, the dispute is over how to discipline companies that train these workers in the US, then send them back overseas to continue working. Senator Dick Durbin is one of the main senators involved. Senator Durbin has taken the lead on issues, such as firms that outsource overseas and wage increases for higher-skilled foreign workers with H-1B Visas. High-tech officials feel Senator Durbin’s fight risks punishing companies that have nothing to do with the foreign worker abuse he is pursuing to end.

The immigration deal is almost to close, and senators are attempting to handle the visa dispute as best as possible. The new immigration legislation would secure the border, and most of all, will grant 11 million people currently in the US illegally, the citizenship they are looking for. It will also give thousands of skilled workers access into the US under the new visa programs.

A number of large high-tech companies have stake in the visa issue. Some of those companies include Google, Microsoft and Apple, which have a high demand for the high-tech visas. These tech giants, for example, have a cap of 65,000 allowed H-1B visas that they can offer. They also can issue another 20,000 annually for foreign workers that have graduated from a university in the US. The amount of applications received by Homeland Security has been overwhelming. In less than one week of accepting the H-1B visa applications, they have already reached capacity for the 2014 budget year.

There need to be some major reforms before expansion happens,” said Daniel Costa, immigration policy analyst from the Economic Policy Institute. Costa stated the top 10 companies with the highest number of H-1B visas last year were firms that bring workers to the US and work for less money, after which, they are sent back to their home countries. Senators are debating whether to demand companies that operate with 30% of their workforce as such, to pay these workers higher wages. The US is considered increasing the annual cap from 65,000 to 100,000.
Regardless of the outcome, what does not change is that foreign workers will need a visa. Washington Express Visas can assist you with all of your expedited visa services and expediting passport processing needs. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization and translations specialists. Washington Express Visas has provided expedited passport processing services with same day pick up for over 30 years. Our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need. Call us at (877) 675-5571 today!

References: 4.9.13, Fox News, Associated Press, Senators arguing over high-tech visas for foreign workers in immigration deal, aides say

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Best Beaches To Travel For 2013

We are already in March and the Summer is almost upon us. This is the time where most people around the world take time out of their busy schedule and take a much needed vacation.

There is no point in waiting to start planning your beautiful, long-awaited vacation. The time is now to set in motion your trip of a lifetime. One of the favorite places to travel for a vacation is no other than the beach. With crystal clear waters, bright blue skies and brown sand beneath your feet, the beach provides an atmosphere perfect for relaxation and fun. Below are a few of the top beaches to visit in 2013.

Miami Beach – Miami Beach is one of the most attractive beaches in the world. Located near the Pacific Ocean, it is embedded in the tropical climate, as other caribbean countries. It is also a top location for tourism worldwide very summer. It tends to be a great choice for travelers who reside in the US seeking an inexpensive getaway to the beach also. The city of Miami Beach is within driving distance to the Floriday Keys, therefore, you can explore all that Florida has to offer.

Palawan Beach – Palawan Beach is located in the Phillipines and is fascinating to behold. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The island there is covered with rich rain forest vegatation and has a variety of beaches to visit. It has natural attractions to see such as blue lagoons, canoe trips through caves, and waterfalls. El Nido is held by tourists as one of most recommended popular resorts while you vacation there.

Cabo San Lucas Beach – This beautiful beach is found in no other than one of the world’s most popular tourist countries for vacation – Mexico. It has a location called Lover’s Beach and is perfect place to travel for honeymoons. It also has the well-known Arch of Poseidon, a stone mountain monument created by water and wind. It is truely heavenly being on this breathtaking beach and its’ hot weather. There are many activities the beach has to offer such as jet skiing, diving, parasailing, and banana races.

Beaches Of The Dominican Republic – This country offers a number of beaches in the Caribbean that you will absolutely adore. The climate is sunny year-round and is not expensive to travel to. You can enjoy the tropical weather, palm trees mountains, golf courses, salsa dancing, and more. It has the tourist city of artists called Altos de Chavon. You will really experience culture when you visit this beach with such places like their archaeological museum as well.

Whether you decide to travel to one of these beaches or any other beach in the world, do not forget your passport! Washington Express Visas can assist you with all of your expedited passport processing and expedited visa processing needs. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization and translations specialists. Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same day pick up service to deliver all our services to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area. Call us at (877) 675-5571 and let us help you travel today!

References: www.topbeachesintheworld.net

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Britain To Offer Same-Day Visa To Indian Businessmen And Students

Getting a visa ordinarily could take some time receive, however, countries are pursuing to make the visa process faster and faster. Britain is one of them and has even announced they will offer visas in the same day.

The Indo Asian News Service has reported British Prime Minister David Cameron announced a new same-day visa for India. The new visa is geared to attract more Indian businessmen and investors to Britain. “We have the biggest visa operations anywhere in the world right here in India. I announce that we are going to introduce for businesses a ‘same-day visa’ service to those who want to come and invest in our country,” said Cameron while in Mumbai. This is a strategic move by Britain and may prove to pay off.

The British economy is beginning to shows signs of recovery and they are extending their hand to India. “We want the Indian government to continue to open up trade barriers and make it easier to do business here. We have to ensure that just as we welcome the Indian investments into Britain, it is easier for British companies like banking, retail and others to invest in this vibrant and fast growing economy,” Cameron said. Britain is also looking to reduce trade barriers between the two countries as well.Prime Minister Cameron also stated there will be no limit to the entry of Indian students into Britain to study at its’ universities and schools. Indian students will be free to stay in Britain at any length of time and work in graduate-level jobs after they complete all qualifications to remain there. This is a big step for Britain, as the country is pursuing to strengthen their partnership with India via education.

The same day visa could be ground breaking for both countries. Indian businessmen will be able to start businesses in Britain and share their expertise with one another. Cameron also referred to India as one of the great powers in the world relative to economy. This could very well be a pattern for other countries as they see the benefits of expediting their visa process.

The Britain same day visa initiative shows countries seeking to get their visas expedited. Travelers enjoy expedited visa services as well. Wherever you may decide to travel, Washington Express Visas can assist you with all of your expedited visa services and expediting passport processing needs. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization and translations specialists. Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same day pick up service to deliver all our services to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area. Call us at (877) 675-5571 today!

Reference: 2.18.13, Yahoo News, Indo Asian News Service, Same-day visa for Indian investors, no cap on students: Cameron

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TSA Removing Non-Privacy Body Scanners From Airports Nationwide

TSA has pursued continual security improvements since 9/11 to keep travelers safe. However, many people have felt some security measures like the use of graphic airport body scanners, violates privacy and goes a little too far. As of later this year, TSA is going to change that.

TSA has announced they will remove airport body scanners that reveal graphic images of travelers’ bodies in June 2013. The body scanners received much criticism while in use. TSA has pursued to solve the problem with the backscatter machines by having their contracted manufacturer, Rapiscan, upgrade them with privacy software. Rapiscan informed the TSA that they could not meet the congressional deadline for the software implementation, therefore, TSA has decided to remove them. “It is big news,” said Marc Rotenberg, the Electronic Privacy Information Center Executive Director. “It removes the concern that people are being viewed naked by the TSA screener.”

Backscatter machines appear to be technology of the past. Security privacy called Automated Target Recognition or ATR is software that only shows a body outline. Millimeter wave machines will be TSA’s preferred machine. They have the privacy software, but backscatter machines do not. Backscatter machines also use X-Rays, which to some travelers deem as a health concern. Millimeter wave machines use radio waves instead. Backscatter machines after more scanning study and/or if the ATR can be developed for them in the future.

Traveling will become quicker and easier through the airport. There are 174 backscatter machines in 30 airports that are expected to be removed. Currently, 170 airports are using the millimeter wave machines. At the same token, it will also increase security as well.

Whether you are traveling in the US or abroad, you will need a passport. Washington Express Visas can assist you with all of your expedited visa services and expediting passport processing needs. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization and translations specialists. Washington Express Visas provides expedited passport processing service with same day pick up. Our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need to meet all of your travel needs and deadlines. Call us at (877) 675-5571 today!

References: 1.19.13, CNN, Mike M. Ahlers, TSA removing ‘virtual strip search’ body scanners

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New Thailand And Cambodia Single-Entry Visa

A single-entry visa is not just going to be held by the European Union any longer. A couple of small countries have decided to join in and see how effective it can be for higher tourism for both of them. Thailand and Cambodia have launched a single-entry visa into their countries.

The Asia News Network reported that Thailand and Cambodia have released the launching what is currently known as the Acmecs Single Visa. It is the Asean version of the European Union’s Schengen Visa scheme. The Acmecs, the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, is made up of five countries, which include Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Thailand and Cambodia are the first of the two to implement the new single-entry visa. Tourists can now use either country’s embassy and receive a single-entry visa for both countries. “If the initial project is successful, then the remaining Acmecs members will join the scheme,” said Foreign Minister Surapong Towichuk-chaikul.

The main objective of the new single-entry visa is to boost tourism throughout these Asian areas. The report stated 21 million tourists visited Thailand in 2012. In contrast, Cambodia only experienced a fraction of that tourism at 2.3 million. Since Thailand is the most attractive, tourists will enjoy being able to travel to Cambodia as an additional destination. The single visa will definitely benefit both and eventually, all five countries of the Asean scheme. From the onset, the emerging idea was “four countries-one destination”, in which Vietnam joined later.

The new single-entry visa, however, will not exempt tourists from being required to pay the actual visa fees of the country the desire to travel to. For example, the Thai embassy will have its’ own entry fee. If the tourist is planning to travel to Cambodia, they will have to pay the entry fee for Cambodia at the Thai embassy at the same time in order to travel there.

For the aspiring countries to pursue economic growth together should be no surprise. Both countries have already agreed to increase their trading with one another by 30% per year. They will also begin upgrades on the infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to handle the increased tourism.

Whether you are traveling to Thailand, Cambodia or any other country throughout the world, you will need a visa to get there. Washington Express Visas can assist you with all of your expedited visa services and expediting passport processing needs. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization and translations specialists. Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same day pick up service to deliver all our services to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area. Call us at (877) 675-5571 today!

References: 12.27.12, Supalak Ganjanakhundee in Bangkok/The Nation/Asia News Network, Thailand, Cambodia launch single-entry visa

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Will New Mexico Be Required Passport To Fly Domestically?

It may sound foreign for a resident of the US to be required to have a passport domestically, however, it may very well be the case in the state of New Mexico.  It is becoming a reality for many of their residents that in 2013 this could happen.

In 2005, The Real ID Act was created by Congress to modify US federal law regarding security, authentication, and issuance procedures for state driver’s licenses and ID cards.  The Secretary of Homeland Security defined the official purposes for driver’s licenses and state ID’s is to be used for entry into government buildings, nuclear plants, and also air flights.  Most states have complied with the Real ID Act, but some have not.  States that have not complied, were given extensions until the January 2013 deadline.  New Mexico is one of the rare states that does meet the minimum requirements of the Real ID Act.  The state does not require proof of citizenship to obtain a driver license there.

The reason it is such an issue for New Mexico is because the same driver’s license a person can receive in the state, is all an individual needs to pass through security at the Albuquerque Sunport Airport.  This is current procedure in New Mexico, but it appears it may change.  New Mexicans may in fact have to provide a valid passport, along with their driver’s license to fly reported KOB Eyewitness News, one of the news stations in the state.  To offer clarity to the issue, New Mexico Governor Susan Martinez told KOB that she is not aware of any other additional identification than a passport to get through airport security after the Real ID Act takes effect.

A Sunport airport spokesperson stated in the report, “Neither the Sunport nor local Transportation Security Administration officials have received any guidance from the Department of Homeland Security on how to deal with passengers who do not hold a Real ID compliant driver’s license after the implementation date. Additionally, there is some confusion regarding whether or not the January 15, 2013 deadline mandates that individuals are actually required to hold Real ID compliant licenses or if there is a later deadline for individuals. We are working with the state and local TSA to try and receive a definitive answer from DHS as to the impact this will have on our customers and how we can eliminate or minimize any travel disruptions.”

Many New Mexicans are seeking passports just in case to meet the January 15th deadline.  For expedited passport services, New Mexicans can use Washington Express Visas to assist them with any of their passport needs.  Washington Express Visas provides expedited passport services with same-day pick up and specially trained passport processing agents to deliver your passport applications for processing at the Washington, DC Passport Agency.  With over 30 years of experience, our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need to meet all of your travel needs and deadlines.  Visit us at www.washingtonexpressvisas.com or call 1-877-675-5571 today!

Reference:  12.7.12, www.kob.com, Jill Galus, Clarity lacking over passport requirement for New Mexicans

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Great Tips For Holiday Travel!

The holiday season is here and people are gearing up to visit their beloved families and friends. This is the time in which we tend to travel the most. Thanksgiving was already projected by AAA to increase for the fourth consecutive year in the US. Traveling will increase as Christmas and New Year’s Day approaches.

Travelers will also to enjoy a change of scenery right before the new year and take a vacation. Traveling in December will be congested, however, it does not have to be difficult. With the right tips, you can make the best of your holiday traveling.

Per the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, here are some great tips for holiday travel:

Enroll In STEP – The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free online service in which your family can enroll in to help the Department of State locate you in case of emergency in the U.S. or where you have traveled. You can also receive updated travel information of the country you are visiting.

Leave Copies of Itinerary, Passport Data Page, & Credit Card – Leave these important documents with your family or friends. It can help them in the event you need assistance. With leaving a credit card, they can contact your credit card company and they can actually use it to locate you.

Find The Closest U.S. Embassy Or Consulate – In case you need assistance from a consular officer, be informed where the nearest US Embassy is located in your destination country.

Minor Children Traveling – If you are traveling with children under the age of 16, double check their passport expiration dates. Passports for this age group are only valid for 5 years, instead of 10 years like adults. Children must apply for a passport in person with their parents or legal guardians. Feel free to review the requirements for children’s passports on www.travel.gov as well.

Sign And Fill In All Emergency Information On Your Passport – Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and visa, and complete the emergency information on your passport. Write the contact information in pencil for easy updating in the future.

Finally, don’t forget your passport. If you need a passport or visa, you do not have to look any further. For expedited passport processing or expedited visa services, you can contact Washington Express Visas. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. With 30 years of expertise, Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s largest courier service. Visit www.washingtonexpressvisas.com or call 877-675-5571 today!

Reference: www.travel.state.gov, Consular Officers Share Holiday Travel Tips

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Best Places To Travel In December

The holiday season is beautiful and is here once again. Thanksgiving and Christmas are considered by many the best time of the year. People receive their fill of gifts, laughs and the simple things, like enjoying those around us that mean the most. But there are also some great places to travel during December to make this the best holiday season ever.

Traveling during the winter season can be more costly in warmer destinations, however, you can still find some places to go with some amazing deals. Below are some wonderful destinations to travel to in December.

The Caribbeans – If you are looking for hot spots, the Caribbeans are a perfect destination to travel to in December. The weather in these countries are hot and sunny year-round due to being close to the tropical line. Whether it is Puerto Rico or Dominican Republic, any of those locations will be excellent choices. Traveling costs to the Caribbeans is not expensive as well.

Western Ireland – The Hunt Museum in Limarick and the Bunratty Castle are just a couple of sites to see in Western Ireland. It has popular walking trails and plenty of history. The shores and mountains of Galway Bay are breathtaking. Galway City, also known as City of The Tribes, is a beautiful university town. It has a medieval culture, with horse racing and festivals. Westpoint is a colorful town, full of shopfronts and restaurants as well.

Greece – The european historical country is excellent for romance and for family vacations. There is the famous Feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6th of each year. In Athens, they Syntagma Square will have a decorated Christmas tree. You can visit the Acropolis in Athens, which is the greatest landmark of Greece. There are many historical sites of ancient Rome. Skiing can also be enjoyed in Greece during December, which is when the ski season begins.

Regardless of where you decide to travel this year, make sure you don’t forget your passport. Expedited passport services providers such as Washington Express Visas can meet all of your passport needs. Washington Express Visas specializes in Visa Services , Passport Processing and Document Authentication. Washington Express Visas provides same day pick-up and specially trained visa processing agents to deliver your visa applications for processing and authentication to every Embassy in the Washington, DC area. Call us at 1-877-675-5571 today!

References: www.ehow.com, Leah Williams, Cheapest Places to Travel in December; www.irishabroad.com

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Philippines Announces Faster Visa Processing For Tourist Extensions

Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and the historic town of Vigan are just a few of the tourist attractions the Philippines has to offer.  The Philippines is a beautiful country to behold.  It has over 7,100 islands to choose from, which are full of rich lands and tropical climates.   Tourism is important there, and the country’s government desires for it to grow.

The country is seeking to create a higher level of tourism and has made a recent effort to make this a reality.  Yahoo News reported via GMA News that the Philippines Bureau of Immigration announces they will be instituting expediting visas for tourists who desire to extend their stay.  BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr stated in a news release, “We should extend the most efficient service to these tourists, many of whom end up engaging in businesses here that generate jobs for our people”.  He also stated it will “further improve efficiency, accountability and transparency” in the agency’s frontline services.

Commissioner David will be directly overseeing the initiative to ensure all applications for extensions are handled as quickly as possible.  With many countries worldwide pursuing economic improvements, the Bureau of Immigration is sensitive to what tourism can do for the country.  Non-restricted foreign nationals or those that do not require entry visas into the Philippines, will continue to have their visa extensions processed as normal.

The Philippines Department of Tourism states that tourists can visit the Philippines without a visa for travel 21 days or less.  This is if the tourist has a passport valid at least 6 months and a return ticket or ticket to another destination other than the Philippines.  Amazingly enough, it is the 3rd largest English speaking country in the world because of its’ history of American influence.  Therefore, US citizens seeking to travel there will not have a language barrier issue.

If you are going to travel to the Philippines, or to any other country, you need quality visa processing.  Washington Express Visa can assist you with all of your expedited visa services.  Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization and translations specialists.  Washington Express Visas is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service.  Our expedited service provides same day pick-up and specially trained visa processing agents to deliver documents on time.  Call Washington Express Visas at 1-800-675-5571 today!

References:  11.8.12, Yahoo News/GMA News, BI assures faster processing of tourist visa extensions; www.philippinetourism.us

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Manila Philippines Opens Passport Processing Center

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and has a lot to offer for tourism. Manila is known for many attractions, including the world’s oldest Chinatown, the walled city of Intramuros, museum, and art. Now, Manila is also going be known by its’ own citizens as the city they can come to when they need to government services to travel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs opens a passport processing center in Manila at SM (Super Mall) City Manila reported the Yahoo News via the Manila Bulletin. The location of the NCR-West satellite office is strategically located within the Super Mall, the city’s first of its’ kind. This is unconventional when it comes to passport processing, however, the location may help. The DFA has partnered with SM City Manila to make governement services easier and more convenient. It makes for a perfect place to shop and eat, while your passport is processed.

This will make the fourth satellite office created by the DFA. The DFA location will offer a number of services, such as new passport applications, authentications, and passport renewals. The office will have the ability to process 1,000 new passport applications and passport renewals. “Applications can be finished in an hour or less while seniors, PWD and OFW are guaranteed to finish their application in 45 minutes. Two hundred (200) applicants a day can be accommodated for the authentication services. Only walk-in applicants are accepted here and not available for online applicants,” stated DFA Passport Division Director Andre Estanislao in the report.

The new office will be open for processing and releasing from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It will only be open for releasing from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Visit www.passport.com/ph for the Department of Foreign Affairs to find out more about the new NCR-West satellite office.

The Philippines is not only the country where people need passport processing, but all over the world. If you need a passport, Washington Express Visas can help. Washington Express Visas offers expedited passport processing, document authentication services, expedited visa services, and more. Washington Express Visas is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service.

With 30 years of experience, Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same-day pick up service to deliver visa applications, passports, document legalization and translations to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area. Give us a call at 1-877-675-5571 and let us help you travel today!

References: 10.15.12, Yahoo News, Manilla Bulletin, SM Manila Opens Passport Processing

Washington Express Visas is a private company that is not affiliated with any government agency. We charge a fee to process and expedite passports, visas and document leglization applications at consulates and passport agencies.

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