| Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 27, 2003 Question Taken at Daily Press Briefing of May 27, 2003 OSCE Letter on the Treatment of French JournalistsQuestion: Has the United States received a letter from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Press Freedom Representative asking about the recent detention and subsequent deportation of six French journalists in Los Angeles? The journalists denied entry to the United States by Homeland Security immigration inspectors were applying for entry to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program that permits 90-day entries for business or pleasure by citizens of certain countries, including France. However, foreign journalists who are on assignment for a foreign media outlet may not enter under the visa waiver program for purposes of journalism – they are required to have an “I” class visa. Homeland Security officers in Los Angeles determined that entry could not be granted without an “I” class visa in this case.
It is not the policy or the intention of the United States to hinder French or any other reporter in the conduct of their legitimate work.
For further details on the incident, we would refer you to the Department of Homeland Security. Information regarding “I” class visas is available on the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.immigration.gov/graphics/services/visas.htm. |
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