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Dear Sir,

In order to decrease the possibility of misunderstandings readers could take away from the article that appeared in the October 7 Bermuda Sun, I would like to clarify some issues.

Since taking up my position on my arrival to Bermuda on August 18, I have spoken with and listened to many Bermudians.

A constant concern people have raised is the desire for Bermudians to travel to the United States. As you are aware, my country welcomes millions of foreign visitors and immigrants each year. They add greatly to our nation's cultural, educational, and economic life. 

When discussing possible travel to the United States, I prefer not to use the term 'stop list' because the phrase could lead people to believe that the U.S. and/or Bermuda has an actual list with people's names on it who cannot travel to the United States. This is not the case.

Most Bermudians are exempt from U.S. visa requirements, however, U.S. immigration law bars the admission to the United States for persons convicted of "crimes involving moral turpitude," "controlled substance violators," and "controlled substance traffickers," among others.

All ineligibilities, including those listed above, apply worldwide, and are not unique to Bermuda.

U.S. immigration law also holds that being ineligible is a lifelong ban. Even if a person has a Certificate of Rehabilitation, the ineligibility applies. Again, this is not unique to Bermuda, but is a worldwide standard.

Any foreign national who is ineligible under these sections of U.S. immigration law may apply for a waiver of their ineligibility allowing them permission to travel to the U.S.

We are committed to trying to improve the waiver process. Bermudians who have an ineligibility should apply for the waiver at the U.S. Consulate.

Complete and up-to-date information on all U.S. visa policies and procedures is available at www.travel.state.gov

People interested in obtaining a waiver of their ineligibility may find detailed information at the U.S. Consulate General's website: http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov/niv_waiver_program.html

I hope this clarifies my position and the issue.

I look forward to serving as the U.S. Consul General here in Bermuda and want to continue to hear from Bermudians about issues that concern them. I welcome your assistance as I read and hear about Bermudian concerns and appreciate your providing opportunities to respond to such concerns in your newspaper.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter and I look forward to working together in the future.

Grace Shelton

U.S. Consul General

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