#90 minutes later i call and ask the eta of the order

[stonesandswords]

.

[nrsranger]

1.4

Ord Mantell Star System

Firebird X-Wing Squadron

300 meters to the rear of the Ranger

1747 hrs

Massive yellow bolts streaked accrossed the stars as the Crusiers begian to trade fire at almost point blanke range but three to one odds were hard to beat even if the one was a ‘Grand Cruiser’

“Firebirds were going escort those Y-Wings to engage that Carrier” Mauz said then contiued on a shared channel “Ok, we started down two X-wings so, one X-wing to two Y-Wings I’ll escort Vine, and Cheese, Joker you got X and Climate, Tripper cover Eel and Clown Squid you got Hotshot and Cha Cha, Brawl escort Bith and Imp, Sabbac, you got Hyper and Double O , Drip, Mob, Root, Gungan, you will range 100 meters infront of our escort you will be our first line of defence.”

“CAG, this is Noodles, our A-Wings have semi-cleared a path, I am sending you the vector” The comm unit on Mauz X-Wing chirped. “Please hurry, were taking heavy casulties Our A-wings are outnumbed two to one”

“Receiving data now, R6 sent this to the Firebirds and Night Owls, Thanks Noodles were on our way eta, 2 minutes” Mauz said.

Alek never believed that the Y-Wing Bombers needed escorts, he was of the opinion shared by most of the Star Fighter Command, that the Y-wing could shoot their way in and shoot their way out of any situation. These were not the same Y-wing that were used during the Rebellion these models more closely resembled the Clone Wars varrent with one pilot and one top ball gunner, however some of the innovations thought of during the Rebellion were kept for example the astromech unit was able to make, hyperspace calculations, another addition kept from the rebelion variant, turning the Y-wing not only into a bomber but a long range reconissance ship; however, Star Fighter Command never had much of a say when it came to the fleet standard operating procedures, most of the S.O.Ps were written by the politicians in the New Republic Senate, a big mistake that has been and will be exploited by any factions that had or will trade laser fire with the New Republic Fleet.

“Now's not the time to criticize fleet doctrine” Mauz thought as they entered the recently cleared path to the Carrier.

“Watch you 10 o’clock we got a group of fighters trying to flank us” The Togruta Claienes Benes callsign “Bear” the Gunner to Ricici Whelmed or Cha Cha said

“Noodles can you intercept?” Mauz said after no reply Mauz inquired “Noodles?”

“Noodles is down this is the Flight L.T I wish I could help but I got my own-----”

Mauz recognized the voice of Lightweight, the Flight Officer or third in command of the Blue Birds, assuming she just got shot down that left command to, Mauz took a second to remember, Maasisi Joka or Mint the Senior Pilot Officer, if he was still alive.

“Here they come'' Drip said. “Were moving to intercept, Mob, Root Gungan let's protect our Owls''

“Were with you Drip,” Root said in response.

Drip took the lead with his wing mate Mob taking up the position to Drips left of rear to their right and in a similar formation Root and Gungan formed up. The X-Wings opened up with an opening salvo knocking out 3 sim fighters

“Let them pass between us” Root said “Wing men, break!”

As Mash Ric or Root said that Gungan and Mob pulled a 180 and picked their targets then lined up on their tail letting loose with the quad laser cannons. Three seconds later enemy fighter craft returned the favor and lined up on their tail, That's when Root and Drip who also pulled a 180 a few seconds later but left a decent amount of room for enemy fighters to draw a line of Gungan and Mob.

“Break!” Root said simultas as he pressed down the fire button on his stick

Gungan and Mob both pulled a hard 90 degree turn Gungan went left and Mob went right as the laser fire from Root and Drips X-Wing half found and half past the enemy fights taking both down. Root went left following Gungan, his wing man, as Drip turned right following his wing man he did not notice the three other fighter craft on his three o’clock as they opened up with a devastating salvo. Drip’s X-wing console went all black and the residue energy fizzled around the hull of his disabled X-wing, only basic life support and the green “left” and orange “right” light were the only thing functioning. Drip took a deep breath and settled in his seat. This might be a long wait.

“Drips down, repeat, Drip is down” Rash Tacknor called sign Mob reported into his comm with a great sense of urgency as his wingmates X-wing went dark except for the two lights on his wing. Before he could process the wing man's fate orange lase fire flashed by his cockpit. Rash began evasive maneuvers jinking to the right then to the left the taking his fighter into a deep dive he yelled into his comm

“How many of these things are there!?”

“I count six” Root said “You have three on your tail we have three on ours

Coming out of his steep dive as a orange laser fire appeared where his X-wing was going to be in the next 2 seconds red warning lights flashed warring his inertial dampers were almost fried, then the lucky shot hit him, a single orange bolt hit the upper left X foil knocking out his stabilizer making him go out of control as a fury of other Orange bolts scored hits on his X-wing turning it dark and only remaining the two wing lights.

“Where did Mob go?” Root said as he juked out the fighters on his tail.

“Messa no see” Gungan said then Gungan went dark.

Root turned toward his X-Wing toward the remaining Firebirds and Night Owls

“I'm going to need some cover fire” Root said, pulling power from his laser cannons and rerouting it to the engines.

“You got it “ Rush “Bell” Gavin, the Senior Gunnery officer of the Night Owls said, turning his Ball gun toward the incoming fighters. In perfect order each ball turret turned toward the enemy fighters. As Root zoomed past only a few feet from Climate’s and Eel’s Y-Wings each bomber ball turret lit up the starry scape. Three of the six fighters succumbed to the Night Owls laser burst but the remaining three fighters stratified Eel’s Y-wings”

“Shields are overloaded, we’ve been hit, minimal damage, we can shake this--” Eel said right before her and Threes Y-wing went dark.

“Tripper, Brawl, get those Fighters off Roots tail” Alek said

Tripper and Brawl tracked the the enemy fighters and chased after the enemy fighters, turning the dog fight into a three way chase with Root in the lead be pursued about three enemy fighters with them being chased by two more X-Wing,

“Execute Firebird DF 1,4 Root your going to loop around Brawl will meet you at the high point of your loop” Tripper said

Brawl climbed high matching the Y axis of Root’s loop when Root reached the climax of his loop he made half corkscrew twist, then rolled 90 degrees as Brawl flattened his climb and rolled 90 degrees as he pressed the button controlling the laser cannon. The enemy Fighter Craft did not know what hit them as two of them disappeared leaving one, and it only took one to hit Roots engine thrusters, and Root went dark just then Tripper who had slowly been gaining on the fighter zoomed past Brawl’s X-Wing blowing the last remaining fighter.

Falling back into position they noticed that the few remaining Fighter Crafts were retreating back toward the mock Carrier.

“The Ranger destroyed the Grand Cruiser and looks like there bugging out” Joker exclaimed with joy “That makes it Ranger 4 Training scenario 0”

“Ranger 3 Training Scenario 1, try to remember you blew up the search and rescue objective” Tripper said into the comm correcting Joker.

“We searched, I found, they opened fire, I returned fire, simple as that” Joker said in a sing-song voice. Multiple voices crackled over the comm doubting Jokers side of the story from, who found the escape pod to wither the escape pod fired a laser canon, or a flaire to disagree whether the pod even had weapons.

“You got trigger happy Joker, plain and simple as that.” Tripper mock

“Well that’d be fine…... if I was Brawl” Joker said with what can only be described as a verbal wink.

“Alright, Let's clear the area, the reset ships are on their way to rescue our boys' ' Mauz said, cutting off the laughter.

“Well land and meet at the same place?” Sabbacc said

“You know it!” Joker said

“Yall got an invitation for 24 Y-Wing pilots and gunners?” Natalia Gee the Y-Wing Squad leader asked

“The more the merrier” Joker said

“As the only remaining member of the Blue Birds A-Wing Aces can we tag along?” Virbo asked

“I leave that up to the group, Can our party withstand a dozen arrogant A-Wingers?” Joker said with a rye smile. As dozens of voices booed, threw semi-friendly insults and jabs toward the so called A-wingers

“I guessed it's settled, you're invited…...if you can pay the tab!” Joker said.

[tagsecretsanta]

From Photowizard17

To @such-a-random-rambler

Secret Santa does not own this piece of work, full credit goes to the author mentioned above.

It was wet, it was cold and it was miserable. Unfortunately there was a job to be done and International Rescue answered the call. It was the worst recorded blizzard in Ontario, Canada since 2013. Houses were buried, streets were unusable and power had been out for 28 hours already. Just like the storm back in 2013, this particular weather phenomena also started just before Christmas.

“Are you sure there is nowhere else these people can go?” Gordon asked the local fire marshal. “They are really exposed to the elements out here, I don’t think many of them can last very long.”

“Unfortunately son, our town hall collapsed just before you arrived and the roads are closed, we don’t have anywhere for them to go.” The man was in his late sixties, clad in winter firefighting gear and ready for battle with an unforgiving Mother Nature.

With this being such a small town, nothing really happened around here, so to have something of this magnitude happen this quickly, was devastating. All Gordon could do was help direct people into the Pod bay of Thunderbird 2 and hope for the best. Virgil and Scott were out in two modified Pods trying to clear snow for emergency equipment, but the 90 kilometer per hour winds and the fact that the snow was still falling, were not helping. The wind pierced through layers of clothing, sending shivers down people’s spines, mens mustaches and beards were freezing with snow and slush.

Gordon had begun packing people into the Pod bay of Thunderbird 2 to help get as many people as possible out of this blizzard. Without the Pods inside, the bay could hold approximately 250 people, the towns population was near 1000.

“Thunderbird 5, this is Thunderbird 2, where is the nearest safe location within quick flying distance of Thunderbird 2?”

“Thunderbird 2 there is a town about 200 kilometers south of your location that is not having nearly the same weather difficulties you are having. The problem is I don’t know if you will be able to take off in those winds with all of those people onboard below,” John answered. He had been wracking his brain for a solution ever since they arrived, but moving that many people at a time who were not strapped in, in those weather conditions was just a bad idea.

“What if I asked them?”

“What if you asked them?”

Gordon looked around, these people were desperate, all they wanted to do was have a nice Christmas at home with their families and now each one of them is having to practically fight for their lives. “Yeah ask them, ask if they would be ok being transported like this, that way at least we know that we tried everything. Besides we can’t wait for the GDF their ETA was another 10 hours.”

John sighed, Gordon honestly had a point. “Scott, did you hear that?”

“Yeah John I heard. If Gordon thinks it will work then we have to try, but we also have to take all necessary precautions. That also means having EOS do predictions and probability.”

“Already done,” the AI chimed in. “the probability of success, while transporting 244.5 passengers in these weather conditions is 61.5%. The percentage will increase if Virgil is piloting Thunderbird 2.”

“Hey?!” Gordon was slightly touched by the comment, but he understood. Virgil was the best pilot of Thunderbird 2.

“EOS,” John interrupted, “how much will the probability of success increase if Virgil pilots?”

“Probability increases to 72.8% success.”

“Then it is settled, we are not asking we are just doing. Virgil head back to Thunderbird 2 and get ready for launch. Gordon count exactly 244 people and get them in the Pod bay. I’ll start notifying local officials of the plan,” Scott ordered.

A chorus of FAB’s followed and the plan was set in motion. By the time Virgil arrived back at Thunderbird 2 Gordon had loaded the first set of passengers. There would be a total of four trips to carry civilians and then one more trip to carry all of the local rescue teams and any stragglers that were left behind.

The ride was rough and crammed and uncomfortable but the plan was working. So far 488 people had been transported to the other town and were now safe from danger. “Thunderbird 1 this is Thunderbird 2. Scott, Thunderbird 2 is taking a beating, I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up.”

“FAB Virgil, EOS? What is the probability of Virgil transports more people at once?”

“Taking into account the two successful trips plus the physical problems Thunderbird 2 is having, Virgil should be able to transport 270.2 people safely.”

“FAB, in that case Scott I think I am going to do one more trip and then come back for the rescue crews and stragglers.”

“Sounds good Virgil,” Scott answered. “From my heat sensors it looks like there are only 12 people left on our end who need help getting out. We may get home in time for Christmas after all.” Scott smirked.

As Virgil took off with the last load of civilians all he could think of was Christmas. He loved the carols and the food, but he was never really fond of Christmas. It had been years, before the start of IR, that all of his family had even been together on Christmas. He knew his work was noble and that this is what he had signed up for, but Christmas used to mean sitting by the fireplace while Grandma told stories and the smell of rich, creamy hot chocolate filled the air. But now, if he even gets to two of his brothers on Christmas it’s a miracle.

Right now though there was a job to be done and he needed to focus. The last of the people had been dropped off and were being treated in a nearby set up clinic in the local church. Maybe they would get home for Christmas. “Thunderbird 1 this is Thunderbird 2, I’m leaving the drop off zone…” Virgil trailed off.

“Virgil?”

“Scratch that, I was leaving.”

“What do you mean you ‘were’ leaving?” Scott was now standing beside Gordon with the last of the survivors and the rescue crews.

“My front left VTOL is all iced up and the landing gear won’t retract. Until I can get it cleared I won’t be leaving.” So much for getting home in time for Christmas. “I’m going to divert all auxiliary power to the heating systems for the VTOL and the landing gear bay.”

Twenty minutes had passed and the front VTOL was still iced up. “Virgil, how’s it going?”

“S-Slow Sc-scott,” Virgil replied. “I tr-ied diverting all heat t-to the VTOL’s. That i-is not working either. But I hav-e one more idea.”

All Gordon could do is glance at each other, they didn’t know what was going on and now people were starting to get really cold without and shelter other than Thunderbird 1 blocking the wind. On the other end of the comm they heard Virgil mumble something about ‘here goes nothing’ then earth shaking creaks and shutters coming from Thunderbird 2. “Virgil?” Scott shouted over the noise, much to the confusion of the civilians around him. “What the hell are you doing?”

“I took of-f Scott. I was hoping the increased power build up would f-force the ice off or at least melt i-t.” Virgil didn’t need to see his older brother to now that he was worried, this could go very, very wrong. There was one last shutter over the comms before all went quiet.

“Virgil?” Scott inquired. “Thunderbird 2?”

“I can’t believe that actually worked.” Virgil responded, “Scott ETA 10 minutes.”

“FAB Virgil, nice work.”

After Virgil returned with Thunderbird 2 Gordon helped load the last remaining passengers and the Snow Pods into the Pod bay. By then the snow had stopped falling and the wind had died down considerably. After one last sweep of the premises Virgil and Gordon took off in Thunderbird 2 towards the town for one last dropoff while Scott followed closely behind in Thunderbird 1 should any more problems arise.

Turns out Thunderbird 1’s vertical thrusters had frozen as well, but there was enough space for Scott to take off using his main thruster. They were lucky this time.

Now they were on their way home. Although Thunderbird 2 could push it and get home in just over an hour, Virgil thought it safer to push the systems, but not to their max. Now they would be home in about two hours. “Thunderbird 1 if you want to go ahead and get home Gordon and I are fine with that. We know you’re itching to get home.” Virgil said smirking at Gordon.

“That’s ok Thunderbird 2, we are nearly there anyway.”

About 10 minutes later Tracy Island appeared over the horizon. 7:23am, Christmas Day.

Thunderbird 1 descended into the pool while Thunderbird 2 landed on her runway and made her way into the hidden cave. Post flight checks were done and the three brothers changed into their street clothes ascended the stairs to the lounge together.

The sun had just begun to rise over the ocean horizon. A Christmas tree standing nearly nine feet tall was glowing and twinkling in the morning light. Above each brothers and Kayo’s portraits hung a string of delicate lights, and tinsel hung off the railing of the stairs. In the lounge sat seven people.

John was passing hot chocolate around while Grandma told stories of her adventures from her youth. Alan sat with Kayo curled up on the couch in blankets, while Brains fiddled with stubborn tree lights.

A welcoming surprise was Lady Penelope and Parker who were sitting on the other couch with little Sherbert. Gordon strode over to Lady Penelope and gave her a kiss, while Scott walked over to Kayo and did the same.

Virgil stood in the entryway looking at all of his family gathered together. The rich, creamy hot chocolate, the stories and most importantly the company. It was all like he remembered. They had made it home for Christmas.

Grandma walked over to Virgil and gave him a kiss on the cheek, snapping him out of his thoughts.

“Welcome home boys,” she said. “Merry Christmas.”

[netmaddy-blog]

Traveling To America? New ESTA Registration Mandated January 2009

New Post has been published on https://netmaddy.com/traveling-to-america-new-esta-registration-mandated-january-2009/

Traveling To America? New ESTA Registration Mandated January 2009

For years, visitors from certain foreign countries have been able to travel to America without first getting a formal Visa sticker placed in their passport. Implemented in 1998, the “Visa Waiver Program” (VWP) has allowed for visitors of several countries to come to America for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without getting a Visa put in their passport. During 2007, more than 15 million visitors from VWP countries arrived in the United States.

As of January 12, 2009 America’s new ESTA program requires Visa Waiver Program visitors coming to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes via a plane or ship to “register” online before entering the United States to see if they pose a law enforcement or security risk to the U.S. ESTA is not required for land crossings. Officials are asking that the ESTA registration is done at least 72 hours prior to leaving, but theoretically, it is possible to register at the last minute. An ESTA Travel Authorization is free, valid for 2 years, and valid for multiple entries.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for ESTA Travel Authorization:

What Countries Are in the Visa Waiver Program?

Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Where Do I Apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization?

A website, operated by the American government, is where you register for ESTA: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The ESTA information you submit via the computer is compared with certain American law enforcement databases and then either approved or denied. Foreign travelers will not be able to submit ESTA applications at American airports after arriving or at a U.S. Embassy in their country.

What if I Don’t Have Plans to Travel to the U.S. Yet?

VWP travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States before they apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization. As soon as VWP travelers begin to plan a trip to visit the U.S., they are encouraged to apply for travel authorization through the ESTA website. Applicants are not required to update their destination addresses or itineraries if they change after their ESTA Travel Authorization has been granted.

Does the ESTA Travel Authorization Guarantee Entry to the U.S.?

An ESTA Travel Authorization only authorizes a traveler to board an airline or ship for travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. After they arrive, travelers who obtained an ESTA Travel Authorization may still be denied entry (also called “admission”) at a U.S. port of entry, such as an American airport. An approved ESTA is not a guarantee of admissibility at an American airport. In all cases, the American airport officers make the final determination whether a foreign traveler can enter the U.S. or not. You still have to establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting officer that you are entitled to be admitted to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.

Can I Change My Travel Itinerary?

It is possible to change an itinerary on an existing ESTA Travel Authorization; ESTA is designed so that you can update parts of it at any time. Travelers who did not get an ESTA approval may be denied boarding by the airlines, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission to the U.S. at the American airport.

What If I Already Have a Valid B1/B2 Visitor Visa?

While the ESTA Travel Authorization is completed online with no interview, there are Visas that require a U.S. Embassy interview. The Visa process has separate procedures, which generally require an appointment, travel to a U.S. Embassy, an interview with a Consular Officer, processing time, and the payment of an application fee. If a foreign national already went to the U.S. Embassy and has a valid B1/B2 Visitor Visa posted in their passport it is not necessary to get an ESTA Travel Authorization because the traveler will be entering with a B1/B2 Visitor Visa and not through the Visa Waiver Program. Keep in mind that an approved ESTA Travel Authorization is not a Visa.

Can I Re-Apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization if Denied?

Yes, but you must wait at least 10 days to reapply and your circumstances must have changed. Unless there is a change in a substantive fact, re-application will not change the result. Keep in mind that applying for an ESTA Travel Authorization with false information can cause a foreign national to be permanently barred from ever entering America. The ESTA system is designed to try to prevent individuals from changing and manipulating an ESTA entry until they receive an approval.

What If I am Denied an ESTA Travel Authorization and Have No Changed Circumstances?

There are three types of responses to an ESTA application; approved, pending or travel not authorized (denied). Applicants who receive a “pending” response are advised to check the website 72 hours later. Applicants who are denied will be required to go to a U.S. Embassy to apply for a formal nonimmigrant visa, such as a B1/B2 Visa, which may take months.

Can a Traveler Find Out the Reason Why an ESTA Application was Denied?

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has stated that travelers may contact the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP at dhs.gov) but there are no guarantees that information about a denial will be divulged. U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not required to provide details about an ESTA denial nor resolve the issue that caused the ESTA denial.

What If I Have a Criminal Record?

Only those qualified to travel under the VWP are eligible to pre-register through ESTA. Persons who have been arrested and/or convicted are generally not eligible for VWP and probably require a formal Visa, such as a B1/B2 Visa, to travel to America. If a foreign national has received tickets for speeding (which don’t usually result in an arrest or conviction) they are probably still eligible for the VWP and ESTA. If a foreign traveler has been denied entry into or deported from the U.S., they require a formal Visa.

Do Any Other Countries Have a Similar Program?

Australia has a program called the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) that mandates travelers to submit an ETA application electronically through a website requesting permission to travel to Australia. Airlines may refuse to accept passengers who do not have either an approved ETA or Visa to enter Australia.

How Long Will the ESTA Application Data be Stored? Who Can Access It?

The ESTA Travel Authorization is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. The American government will maintain the information for at least 15 years to allow retrieval of the information for law enforcement, national security, or investigatory purposes. Information submitted through ESTA can also be shared with any U.S. government organization.

What Does Information the Airlines Get?

Airlines will receive confirmation of a passenger’s ESTA status via the “Advance Passenger Information System” (APIS) which shows whether the ESTA authorization has been granted for a Visa Waiver Program traveler. It is recommended that the traveler print out the ESTA application approval in order to maintain a record of their ESTA application number and to have confirmation of their ESTA status.

What About Children?

Accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, are required to obtain an independent ESTA Travel Authorization.

What if a Mistake was Made on the ESTA Application?

The ESTA website will ask applicants to review their application before submitting it. Also, there is an update function for certain information such as email address, telephone number, or flight information. If an applicant makes a mistake that cannot be “updated,” he will need to submit a new ESTA application.

What if I Only Have a Connecting Flight Through the U.S.?

Visa Waiver Program visitors who have a connecting flight in the U.S. are required to either have ESTA Travel Authorization or a Visa from a U.S. Embassy in their passport to travel through the U.S. even for a one hour stop. If a traveler is only planning to stop in the U.S. en route to another country, the traveler should enter the words “In Transit” and his final destination in the address lines under the heading “Address While In The United States” on the ESTA application.

What Are the Questions on the ESTA Travel Authorization Application?

The traveler must provide (in English) biographical data including name, birth date, country of citizenship, country of residence, email address, sex, telephone number, passport information, destination address in the U.S., travel information (round trip airline ticket, flight number and city where you are boarding) as well as questions regarding communicable diseases (chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinal, HIV, leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis [active], tuberculosis [active], and others), physical or mental disorders, drug addiction problems, arrests, convictions, past history of visa cancellation or denial, and prior deportations from the U.S. The traveler will also be asked whether they are seeking work in the U.S., have ever been deported or tried to get a visa by fraud or misrepresentation. The traveler will be asked if they have ever detained a child of a U.S. Citizen granted custody of the child, and whether they have ever asserted immunity from prosecution.

Do I Select “Business” or “Pleasure (Tourist) at the Airport Port of Entry?

After the ESTA Travel Authorization is granted, the foreign traveler will be interviewed by government officers at the first American airport they land. The officer will ask what the foreign traveler will be doing in America and the questioning can take up to four hours in a detailed setting called “secondary inspection.” The officer may ask the traveler “what else are you doing in America?” repeatedly to try to get “the real” answer. If the traveler is only going to be a tourist, they are not allowed to do any business, including meeting with any attorneys, applying for a bank account, meeting with real estate agents, or other business consulting activities. Even though the traveler is going to conduct just one business meeting while in America, they are required to report it and enter as a business visitor. The business visitor is allowed to participate in tourist activities, but the tourist visitor is not allowed to participate in any business activities. Therefore, if any business might be conducted while in America, it is best to tell the government officers about it at the airport to avoid being accused of lying, put immediately on a plane back to your home country, and barred from America for life.

What Else Can Do the Airport Officers Make Me Prove After I Land?

The airport officers will ask the traveler proof of a foreign residence (address on foreign driver’s license), whether their intention is to depart at the end of the visit (round trip airline ticket), whether the traveler has a job (letter, pay stub, business card) and family in their home country, (marriage certificate, children’s’ birth certificates), and whether the traveler has the money to travel around America (bank statement or credit cards with bank letter showing credit limit). The airport officers are also required to ask where the traveler will stay in America (hotel reservations or friends/relatives’ homes) and have been known to pick up the phone to verify all of the aforementioned information.

Can I Be Searched in the American Airport? Am I Entitled to Legal Representation?

While being interviewed at the American airport, all luggage (even locked bags) can be searched, as well as the traveler’s body and his/her cell phone (including text messages and phone numbers) and laptop (including hard drive). The officers may “google” a traveler’s name and check out their myspace, Facebook or Hyves pages. The traveler is not allowed to be represented by an attorney or even call their attorney while in “secondary inspection.” Bathroom visits, water, and food may be limited, so it is best to prepare for such an occasion while still on the plane before landing.

Do I Still Have to Go Through the “US-VISIT” Program at the American Airport?

Foreign travelers arriving at American airports and seaports must still be photographed and fingerprinted every time they enter the U.S.

Who Should I Ask For Help to Fill Out the ESTA Application?

The information a traveler provides on the ESTA application can remain in their file with U.S. authorities for a minimum of 15 years – probably longer. If a foreign traveler has some questions about how to answer the questions so as not to be permanently barred from America, it would be prudent to them to pay for a legal consultation with an American Immigration Attorney who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Beware of unauthorized private websites that offer ESTA application assistance for $49.99 – they are usually not authorized to practice immigration law and are asking travelers to pay for a copy of the application questions, which are free on the dhs.gov website.

If I Am Denied the ESTA Travel Authorization Will it Affect My Ability to Obtain a Visa at the U.S. Embassy?

When the ESTA Travel Authorization is denied, the foreign traveler must make an appointment at a U.S. Embassy in their country to apply for a formal Visa. The U.S. Embassy is operated by the U.S. Department of State and there are no expedited procedures for those who have been denied ESTA Travel Authorization. Because the ESTA program is so new, it is impossible to predict how badly a denial of the ESTA Travel Authorization will impact a traveler’s application for a Visa at a U.S. Embassy or impact their future travel to America in general. American Immigration Attorneys are in close contact with their foreign clients and will share the denial information with each other starting in January 2009. Currently, there are no government policies regulating this area of the law, or opportunities to appeal a denial.

When Is the “New” ESTA Travel Authorization Required?

A new ESTA Travel Authorization is required during the two years if (1) the traveler is issued a new passport (2) the traveler changes his name (3) the traveler changes his or her gender (4) the traveler’s country of citizenship changes or (5) the circumstances underlying the traveler’s previous responses to any of the ESTA application questions requiring a “yes” or “no” response have changed (such as a new arrest).

Can an American Immigration Attorney, Travel Agent or Employer Fill Out the ESTA Application?

A third party, such as a relative, travel agent or American Immigration Attorney, is permitted to submit an ESTA application on behalf of a VWP traveler. Be aware that the traveler is still responsible under the law for the answers submitted on his or her behalf by a third party.

Over 68,000 travelers have already voluntarily registered by using the ESTA online system in the last few months. Applicants are reminded to obtain a new “e-passport” which has an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page, as well as other biometric information when registering with ESTA.

The author is Attorney Danielle Nelisse, owner of the Law Offices of Danielle Nelisse. She has been practicing U.S. immigration law since 1999. She specializes in U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence through marriage, and work visas. She has a staff of translators who speak German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and other languages.

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Traveling To America? New ESTA Registration Mandated January 2009

For years, visitors from certain foreign countries have been able to travel to America without first getting a formal Visa sticker placed in their passport. Implemented in 1998, the “Visa Waiver Program” (VWP) has allowed for visitors of several countries to come to America for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without getting a Visa put in their passport. During 2007, more than 15 million visitors from VWP countries arrived in the United States.

As of January 12, 2009 America’s new ESTA program requires Visa Waiver Program visitors coming to the U.S. for tourist or business purposes via a plane or ship to “register” online before entering the United States to see if they pose a law enforcement or security risk to the U.S. ESTA is not required for land crossings. Officials are asking that the ESTA registration be done at least 72 hours prior to leaving, but theoretically it is possible to register at the last minute. An ESTA Travel Authorization is free, valid for 2 years, and valid for multiple entries.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for ESTA Travel Authorization:

What Countries Are in the Visa Waiver Program?

Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Where Do I Apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization?

A website, operated by the American government, is where you register for ESTA: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The ESTA information you submit via the computer is compared with certain American law enforcement databases and then either approved or denied. Foreign travelers will not be able to submit ESTA applications at American airports after arriving or at a U.S. Embassy in their country.

What if I Don’t Have Plans to Travel to the U.S. Yet?

VWP travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States before they apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization. As soon as VWP travelers begin to plan a trip to visit the U.S., they are encouraged to apply for travel authorization through the ESTA website. Applicants are not required to update their destination addresses or itineraries if they change after their ESTA Travel Authorization has been granted.

Does the ESTA Travel Authorization Guarantee Entry to the U.S.?

An ESTA Travel Authorization only authorizes a traveler to board an airline or ship for travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. After they arrive, travelers who obtained an ESTA Travel Authorization may still be denied entry (also called “admission”) at a U.S. port of entry, such as an American airport. An approved ESTA is not a guarantee of admissibility at an American airport. In all cases, the American airport officers make the final determination whether a foreign traveler can enter the U.S. or not. You still have to establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting officer that you are entitled to be admitted to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.

Can I Change My Travel Itinerary?

It is possible to change an itinerary on an existing ESTA Travel Authorization; ESTA is designed so that you can update parts of it at any time. Travelers who did not get an ESTA approval may be denied boarding by the airlines, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission to the U.S. at the American airport.

What If I Already Have a Valid B1/B2 Visitor Visa?

While the ESTA Travel Authorization is completed online with no interview, there are Visas that require a U.S. Embassy interview. The Visa process has separate procedures, which generally require an appointment, travel to a U.S. Embassy, an interview with a Consular Officer, processing time, and the payment of an application fee. If a foreign national already went to the U.S. Embassy and has a valid B1/B2 Visitor Visa pasted in their passport it is not necessary to get an ESTA Travel Authorization because the traveler will be entering with a B1/B2 Visitor Visa and not through the Visa Waiver Program. Keep in mind that an approved ESTA Travel Authorization is not a Visa.

Can I Re-Apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization if Denied?

Yes, but you must wait at least 10 days to reapply and your circumstances must have changed. Unless there is a change in a substantive fact, re-application will not change the result. Keep in mind that applying for an ESTA Travel Authorization with false information can cause a foreign national to be permanently barred from ever entering America. The ESTA system is designed to try to prevent individuals from changing and manipulating an ESTA entry until they receive an approval.

What If I am Denied an ESTA Travel Authorization and Have No Changed Circumstances?

There are three types of responses to an ESTA application; approved, pending or travel not authorized (denied). Applicants who receive a “pending” response are advised to check the website 72 hours later. Applicants who are denied will be required to go to a U.S. Embassy to apply for a formal nonimmigrant visa, such as a B1/B2 Visa, which may take months.

Can a Traveler Find Out the Reason Why an ESTA Application was Denied?

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has stated that travelers may contact the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP at dhs.gov) but there are no guarantees that information about a denial will be divulged. U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not required to provide details about an ESTA denial nor resolve the issue that caused the ESTA denial.

What If I Have a Criminal Record?

Only those qualified to travel under the VWP are eligible to pre-register through ESTA. Persons who have been arrested and/or convicted are generally not eligible for VWP and probably require a formal Visa, such as a B1/B2 Visa, to travel to America. If a foreign national has received tickets for speeding (which don’t usually result in an arrest or conviction) they are probably still eligible for the VWP and ESTA. If a foreign traveler has been denied entry into or deported from the U.S., they require a formal Visa.

Do Any Other Countries Have a Similar Program?

Australia has a program called the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) that mandates travelers to submit an ETA application electronically through a website requesting permission to travel to Australia. Airlines may refuse to accept passengers who do not have either an approved ETA or Visa to enter Australia.

How Long Will the ESTA Application Data be Stored? Who Can Access It?

The ESTA Travel Authorization is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. The American government will maintain the information for at least 15 years to allow retrieval of the information for law enforcement, national security, or investigatory purposes. Information submitted through ESTA can also be shared with any U.S. government organization.

What Information Does the Airlines Get?

Airlines will receive confirmation of a passenger’s ESTA status visa the “Advance Passenger Information System” (APIS) which shows whether the ESTA authorization has been granted for a Visa Waiver Program traveler. It is recommended that the traveler print out the ESTA application approval in order to maintain a record of their ESTA application number and to have confirmation of their ESTA status.

What About Children?

Accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, are required to obtain an independent ESTA Travel Authorization.

What if a Mistake was Made on the ESTA Application?

The ESTA website will ask applicants to review their application before submitting it. Also, there is an update function for certain information such as email address, telephone number, or flight information. If an applicant makes a mistake that cannot be “updated,” he will need to submit a new ESTA application.

What if I Only Have a Connecting Flight Through the U.S.?

Visa Waiver Program visitors who have a connecting flight in the U.S. are required to either have ESTA Travel Authorization or a Visa from a U.S. Embassy in their passport to travel through the U.S. even for a one hour stop. If a traveler is only planning to stop in the U.S. en route to another country, the traveler should enter the words “In Transit” and his final destination in the address lines under the heading “Address While In The United States” on the ESTA application.

What Are the Questions on the ESTA Travel Authorization Application?

The traveler must provide (in English) biographical data including name, birth date, country of citizenship, country of residence, email address, sex, telephone number, passport information, destination address in the U.S., travel information (round trip airline ticket, flight number and city where you are boarding) as well as questions regarding communicable diseases (chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inquinale, HIV, leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis [active], tuberculosis [active], and others), physical or mental disorders, drug addiction problems, arrests, convictions, past history of visa cancellation or denial, and prior deportations from the U.S. The traveler will also be asked whether they are seeking work in the U.S., have ever been deported or tried to get a visa by fraud or misrepresentation. The traveler will be asked if they have ever detained a child of a U.S. Citizen granted custody of the child, and whether they have ever asserted immunity from prosecution.

Do I Select “Business” or “Pleasure (Tourist) at the Airport Port of Entry?

After the ESTA Travel Authorization is granted, the foreign traveler will be interviewed by government officers at the first American airport they land. The officer will ask what the foreign traveler will be doing in America and the questioning can take up to four hours in a detained setting called “secondary inspection.” The officer may ask the traveler “what else are you doing in America?” repeatedly to try to get “the real” answer. If the traveler is only going to be a tourist, they are not allowed to do any business, including meeting with any attorneys, applying for a bank account, meeting with real estate agents, or other business consulting activities. Even though the traveler is going to conduct just one business meeting while in America, they are required to report it and enter as a business visitor. The business visitor is allowed to participate in tourist activities, but the tourist visitor is not allowed to participate in any business activities. Therefore, if any business might be conducted while in America, it is best to tell the government officers about it at the airport to avoid being accused of lying, put immediately on a plane back to your home country, and barred from America for life.

What Else Do Can the Airport Officers Make Me Prove After I Land?

The airport officers will ask the traveler proof of a foreign residence (address on foreign driver’s license), whether their intention is to depart at the end of the visit (round trip airline ticket), whether the traveler has a job (letter, paystub, business card) and family in their home country, (marriage certificate, childrens’ birth certificates), and whether the traveler has the money to travel around America (bank statement or credit cards with bank letter showing credit limit). The airport officers are also required to ask where the traveler will stay in America (hotel reservations or friends/relatives’ homes) and have been known to pick up the phone to verify all of the aforementioned information.

Can I Be Searched in the American Airport? Am I Entitled to Legal Representation?

While being interviewed at the American airport, all luggage (even locked bags) can be searched, as well as the traveler’s body and his/her cell phone (including text messages and phone numbers) and laptop (including hard drive). The officers may “google” a traveler’s name and check out their myspace, Facebook or hyves pages. The traveler is not allowed to be represented by an attorney or even call their attorney while in “secondary inspection.” Bathroom visits, water and food may be limited, so it is best to prepare for such an occasion while still on the plane before landing.

Do I Still Have to Go Through the “US-VISIT” Program at the American Airport?

Foreign travelers arriving at American airports and seaports must still be photographed and fingerprinted every time they enter the U.S.

Who Should I Ask For Help to Fill Out the ESTA Application?

The information a traveler provides on the ESTA application can remain in their file with U.S. authorities for a minimum of 15 years – probably longer. If a foreign traveler has some questions about how to answer the questions so as not to be permanently barred from America, it would be prudent to them to pay for a legal consultation with an American Immigration Attorney who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Beware of unauthorized private websites that offer ESTA application assistance for $49.99 – they are usually not authorized to practice immigration law and are asking travelers to pay for a copy of the application questions, which are free on the dhs.gov website.

If I Am Denied the ESTA Travel Authorization Will it Effect My Ability to Obtain a Visa at the U.S. Embassy?

When the ESTA Travel Authorization is denied, the foreign traveler must make an appointment at a U.S. Embassy in their country to apply for a formal Visa. The U.S. Embassy is operated by the U.S. Department of State and there are no expedited procedures for those who have been denied ESTA Travel Authorization. Because the ESTA program is so new, it is impossible to predict how badly a denial of the ESTA Travel Authorization will impact a traveler’s application for a Visa at a U.S. Embassy or impact their future travel to America in general. American Immigration Attorneys are in close contact with their foreign clients and will share the denial information with each other starting in January 2009. Currently there are no government policies regulating this area of the law, or opportunities to appeal a denial.

When Is the a “New” ESTA Travel Authorization Required?

A new ESTA Travel Authorization is required during the two years if (1) the traveler is issued a new passport (2) the traveler changes his name (3) the traveler changes his or her gender (4) the traveler’s country of citizenship changes or (5) the circumstances underlying the traveler’s previous responses to any of the ESTA application questions requiring a “yes” or “no” response have changed (such as a new arrest).

Can an American Immigration Attorney, Travel Agent or Employer Fill Out the ESTA Application?

A third party, such as a relative, travel agent or American Immigration Attorney, is permitted to submit an ESTA application on behalf of a VWP traveler. Be aware that the traveler is still responsible under the law for the answers submitted on his or her behalf by a third party.

Over 68,000 travelers have already voluntarily registered by using the ESTA online system in the last few months. Applicants are reminded to obtain a new “e-passport” which has an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page, as well as other biometric information, when registering with ESTA.

The author is Attorney Danielle Nelisse, owner of the Law Offices of Danielle Nelisse. She has been practicing U.S. immigration law since 1999. She specializes in U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence through marriage, and work visas. She has a staff of translators who speak German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and other languages.