Homeland Security Officials Question Plan

US officials are concerned with a decline in the number of overseas visitors in the past six years. Not surprisingly, heightened security following 9/11, especially at airports, is cited as the largest reason for that decline.

Reuters reports long lines often greet those looking to apply for a visa at American embassies. Even then, some travelers must then wait as long as 100 days before their applications are accepted. In a recent survey, the United States was named among the least-friendly countries to foreign travelers.

For a country that's looking to improve its image on the global stage, that doesn't help.

That is why the US government says it is partnering with Walt Disney, Universal Studios, and Anheuser-Busch in an effort to create a more welcoming environment to visitors.

"We have missed an opportunity to make people feel welcome," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "The whole process must be friendlier and more efficient. We must invest in creating a first impression of hospitality and friendliness at our borders."

At the top of the list of complaints are Department of Homeland Security immigration and security officials that visitors say they fear more than the terrorists they're supposed to stop. That creates a climate of "fear and frustration," says one researcher, which has led to a 17 percent drop in the number of overseas visitors since 2000.

Geoff Freeman, executive director of the Discover America Partnership, says the more visitors that come to the US, the better the country's image will be on the global stage -- where contentious issues like the Iraq War have caused anti-American sentiment to soar to record levels.

"Welcoming visitors into this country is Public Diplomacy 101," said Freeman. "Foreigners who have visited the US have more positive attitudes than those who have not."

Homeland Security officials have questioned the plan to make foreign visitors feel more welcome, saying its main priority is to insure safety. Many seem to feel, though, the agency should become a more... wait for it... Mickey Mouse operation.

FMI: www.dhs.gov, www.disney.com