Topic: Passports and Visas

Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng's next step: Study at a US university? (+video)

The US says prominent Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng has been offered a fellowship by a US university. The US State Department said it would move quickly to provide a visa for Mr. Chen and his family.

As tide of illegal immigrants goes home, will US economy suffer?

The illegal immigrant boom has fizzled; and as Mexican migrants go home, the question is whether it will drain the labor pool and hurt the US economy.

Obama at Disney World: foreign tourists could create 1 million jobs

President Obama paid a visit to Mickey Mouse at his Florida home Thursday to mark the signing of an executive order aimed at facilitating the processing of foreign tourist visas to lure travelers.

Dream a little DREAM: A solution to US illegal immigration that is fair to all

In US immigration debate, compassion for children brought here illegally by parents, and fairness to citizens and legal immigrants do not have to be diametrically opposed. Congress and Obama can grant lawful permanent resident status under a version of the now-defunct DREAM Act.

Thirty ideas from people under 30: The Change Agents

They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world.

Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on immigration, abortion and other social issues

Social policies are a defining issue in this, or any, Republican race. With the GOP electorate increasingly focused on social issues in recent decades, their leaders' views have shifted in kind. Take a look at where each of the candidates stand. 

'Zero job' economy: 11 ways Washington can fix it

A stagnant job market has ramped up the pressure on President Obama and Congress to come up with solutions. What can be done? Here are 11 proposals.

Hershey walkout: Foreign students nix firms' offer

Hershey walkout takes new twist as firms offer cultural tour of US to 400 foreign student workers. But Hershey walkout leaders reject offer, saying the real issue is too much work for too little pay.

Alabama immigration law faces legal challenge: Can it survive?

Federal lawsuits have been filed against five states that have passed tough anti-illegal-immigration bills. Here is the legal state of play for all five state laws:

Social Security numbers used in license scam

Social Security numbers plus altered passports used in plot to get California driver's licences for 200 illegal immigrants. Police arrest two, saying Social Security IDs came from Northern Marianas.

Immigration reform: Glimpse of the future in Arizona and Utah?

The business community was instrumental in defeating an Arizona birthright-citizenship bill and passing a Utah guest-worker program, suggesting it could be a key force on immigration reform.

China welcomes growing African trade, but not the Africans who facilitate it

By some counts, at least half the foreigners living in the Chinese trade hub of Guangzhou are Africans. Many face hassles ranging from visa expiration to police raids.

Israeli diplomat expelled from Ireland over Dubai assassination plot

Ireland now joins Britain and Australia in expelling Israeli diplomats over their government's connections to the Dubai assassination plot that killed a Hamas leader in January.

For Cubans, Ecuador is the new Florida

Ecuador's lack of visa requirements has attracted Cubans who see it as a several-year stopover en route to the United States. A neighborhood in Quito, the capital, is endearingly called the new Florida.

Britain says 'compelling' evidence Israel linked to Dubai assassination

Britain Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Tuesday that 12 British passports used in the Dubai assassination plot were forged when they were handed over to Israel for inspection.

US passport: The cost of your first one could go up to $135

The State Department is planning to increase fees for a US passport. The cost of a renewal could jump to $110.

Will skilled worker immigrants help keep America relevant?

Fifty-four percent of immigrants in the US on a skilled-worker visa are from India. 

Temporary Protected Status for Haitians: not an amnesty card for illegal immigrants

As the leading democracy of the Western Hemisphere, the US should be proud of its efforts to assist Haiti as it emerges from the rubble.

Was Abdulmutallab radicalized in London?

The religious background and motivations of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Nigerian national accused of trying to blow up Northwest Airlines flight 253, are still unclear. But experts say his time in London may have helped fuel a militant world view.

Serbs celebrate new freedom to travel Europe without visas

The European Union on Saturday opened its borders to visa-free travel for more than ten million Serbs, Montenegrins, and Macedonians after nearly 20 years of tight restrictions.

Papers in order?

Reporters on the Job: Tangled in Mexican tape

US colleges regain luster for foreigners

After a post-9/11 drop-off, the State Department has taken steps to ease foreigners' concerns.

American visits to Canada hit 36-year low

Passport confusion, a weak US dollar, and high gas prices appear to be fueling the steady decline.

China bends on Taiwan, why not Tibet?

If Beijing can talk with Taiwan about ties, it can talk with the Dalai Lama about Tibet's future.