AHEPA Holds Successful Forum on the Visa Waiver Program


AHEPA Holds Successful Forum on Visa Waiver Program
Expert panelists share their insight on its possible expansion Washington, D.C. - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the leading association for the nation's 1.2 million American citizens of Hellenic heritage held an AHEPA forum, "Visa Waiver Program: 2007 A Year for Expansion?" on Capitol Hill on Friday, January 19. The program, was a success with panelists representing various facets of the US and European Governments.
The expert panelists included: Baxter Hunt from the US Department of State; Ambassador Angelos Pangratis from the Delegation of the European Commission; Nathan Sales from the US Department of Homeland Security; Jeannie Siskovic from the office of US Senator George Voinovich and Daniel Griswold of the Cato Institute. (Photo at right: Ambassador Negroponte with AHEPA Pres. James)
"We believe that the Visa Waiver Program and its potential expansion, to include Greece, is currently at the forefront of discussion in Washington," said Gus J. James, II, AHEPA National President. "Moreover, in order to continue the dialogue of expansion, we believe by hosting an informational forum we can continue to play a vital role in educating the public about the program's benefits."
"We have been in the lead on this issue by creating awareness of Greece's qualifications as a Visa Waiver nation to key members of Congress and federal agencies. Greece certainly is well-positioned for entry based on its own merits and we believe that through its admission a lot of goodwill will be generated between all countries involved." (Photo at right: AHEPA Pres. James with Senator Menendez)
James added he expects there to be significant progress in 2007 and AHEPA will remain engaged in seeing this process through to completion.
(Posting date 20 January 2007) The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage grassroots membership organization. Its scope is international with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus, and "sister" chapters in Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of AHEPA Australasia. AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society. Today, AHEPA promotes the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. For more information about the organization or how to join, contact AHEPA Headquarters (202-232-6300) or visit the organization's newly redesigned website at http://www.ahepa.org. HCS maintains an extensive archives of AHEPA articles and press releases which readers are invited to browse under the AHEPA Family Releases section of the site archives at http://www.helleniccomserve.com/archiveahepa.html.

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