National President
Polish Roman Catholic Union of America
A Legal Reserve Fraternal Benefit Society
984 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 6064-4101
October 18, 2011
Dear Editor,
In October, I addressed a gathering in Cleveland, Ohio, in honor of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, sponsored by the Polonia Foundation of Ohio and the Ohio Polish Legion of American Veterans, USA. That event was the catalyst that sparked me to see that hero of two countries is light of today’s immigration requirements.
Hopefully, we Polish Americans all know about Casimir Pulaski’s military exploits in Poland in resisting the Russian influence in his homeland, as well as the report of how his horse soldiers protected the retreat of Generals Washington and Anthony Wayne and saved them from capture by the British at the Battle of Brandywine during the American Revolutionary War. We know about his heroism at Charleston, S.C. to secure that city for the Americans, his designation as the “Father of the American Cavalry” and his heroism at the siege of Savannah, where he was mortally wounded.
For all this, and more, Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski was granted Honorary U.S. Citizenship by the U.S. government in 2009, becoming only 1 of 7 people so honored. But did you know that today, if Casimir Pulaski were alive, he would not be able to enter this country without applying for a Visa? It is incredible to realize that beloved General Pulaski, who fought and DIED for our freedom could not enter without applying for a Visa because of his Polish citizenship!
Every citizen of Poland must apply for and be issued a Visa in order to travel to the USA. This process is long, can be embarrassing and is costly. There are 36 countries that have had this restriction waived; 28 are Poland’s neighbors in Europe. So why isn’t Poland on that list?
To be admitted to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a country must meet various security requirements, enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the U.S., and timely reporting of lost and stolen passports. Countries must maintain high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control and document security standards. Poland qualifies.
Poland is a member of the European Union. It has met all the requirements to be a member of NATO and meets all the requirements of the VWP. Poland has fought alongside the USA in Iraq and Afghanistan. So why isn’t Poland in the VWP?
Ever former President Bush and President Obama support Poland’s admission into the VWP, but the problem is that designation as a VWP country is at the discretion of the U.S. Congress. Meeting all objective requirements DOES NOT GUARANTEE VWP MEMBERSHIP. This seems like subjective discrimination.
There is an election coming up and WE POLISH AMERICANS VOTE. We must be VOCAL in support of elected representatives who support this cause and let those who oppose Poland’s participation in the VWP know that we will work against their election. WE MUST NOT BE SILENT!
In memory of our great Polish and American hero Casimir Pulaski, we must unite and campaign for Polish participation in the VWP. This program has floundered for years in Congress without resolution WHY? Have we not been heard?
Is Poland not worthy? Who doesn’t like the Poland or Polonia?
Come together with one voice! Correct this injustice being done to Poles who are great friends and partners with the USA in the quest for peace. In honor of the memory our great Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, I ask you to be heard and help correct this political injustice. Sample letters to write to your legislators and a petition to sign in favor of the House and Senate Bills on this matter can be found at the PAC website: www.pac1944.org.
Together, we can finally get this goal accomplished if we all TAKE ACTION. Thank you.
Fraternally yours,
Joseph A. Drobot, Jr.
National President