Journalists Entering the United States Required to Have "I" Class Visas

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, members of the press that travel to the United States in the capacity of representative of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media, coming to engage in journalism, must have an "I" visa, even if they are nationals of a visa waiver country. Holding an "I" visa allows a working journalist to enter the United States for as long as needed to work on an assignment and will avoid a port of entry turnaround. The Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(1)(15)(B) specifically excludes such persons from the use of a "B" visa or visa waiver entry.

The G-8 international conference is scheduled to take place in Sea Island, Georgia, June 8-10, 2004. Any press representative who attends the G-8 summit is required by the Immigration and Nationality Act to obtain an "I" visa before entering the United States as a journalist.

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