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Published By
U.S. Embassy Warsaw,
Consular Section

A Welcome to our Readers

Dear Readers:

Welcome to the summer 2004 issue of the Consular Chronicles. This is my last issue. I leave this summer to become Consul General in Seoul, South Korea. Seoul is one of the biggest consular operations in the world, processing almost half a million visas last year. I look forward to the challenge and to continuing to work with Ambassador Chris Hill, who becomes ambassador to the Republic of Korea this summer.

As I prepare to leave Warsaw, I look back upon many fond memories of Poland and the Polish people. Departing Poland is bittersweet for me. I have now lived in 13 countries; Poland is the only country besides the U.S. in which I have lived twice. I have seen tremendous transformations in Poland since my first tour of duty in Krakow from 1988 to 1991. Sometimes being close to events leads to myopia; to me, it is obvious just how dramatically Poland has changed in the past fifteen years of freedom.

When my wife, Sara, and I first arrived with our two children in Krakow in 1988, we met a land of liberty-loving people who were struggling against Communism. The Solidarity movement had planted the seeds of hope in the hearts of millions. We, however, still had no idea that the very next year these seeds would bear fruit and Communism would be toppled throughout Eastern Europe. I remember very clearly the euphoria of those days and how the Polish people were eager to reestablish the democracy that had disappeared during World War II.

In the past fifteen years, Poland has integrated itself back into the community of free nations. In 1999, Poland became a member of NATO. In the ensuing five years, Poland has demonstrated her worth as an ally. Remembering the old Polish slogan, “For your freedom and ours,” Poland has sent the third largest military contingent to Iraq to assist the United States in the important task of rebuilding that country.

On May 1, 2004, Poland and nine other countries changed the face of Europe when they joined the European Union. This ended completely the isolation Central Europe endured behind the Iron Curtain. In joining the European Union, the nations of Central Europe have demonstrated that they are full-fledged democracies. They also are full of fresh ideas and energy that will spark new life into the European Union. Poland certainly brings a vitality and tenacity that will make European politics even more interesting.

I feel very fortunate to have spent the last three years in Poland. I have always said that the Poles are some of the most hospitable people in the world. My family and I have always felt welcome, no matter where we went in Poland. My children have especially enjoyed it here. This truly is a great place to bring one’s family.

Lisa Piascik, the new Consul General, arrives August 22, 2004. In the interim, Maria Rudensky-Silver, the Deputy Consul General and chief of the Immigrant Visa Section will run the daily operations of the Consulate. Ms. Rudensky-Silver will leave Poland on Labor Day, 2004, to prepare to become U.S. Consul General in Oslo, Norway. Mark Strege will take over as chief of the Immigrant Visa Section.

Do widzenia!



Sincerely,

Michael D. Kirby
Consul General

IN THIS ISSUE:

Welcome to our Readers || All Visa Applicants To Be Fingerscanned || A Note to Tourists || 2004 Elections Swiftly Approaching || Windfall Elimination Provision || ASSISTING VICTIMS OF CRIME IN POLAND || ASSISTING THOSE ACCUSED OF CRIMES || VISA REFUSALS AND AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES || The Diversity Visa Program || Work And Travel Program Brings Polish Students To the United States || How Can I Get Answers To My Consular Questions?