US-Poland Relations

Another highlight of the trip was meeting with an officer from the US Consulate in Krakow.

Before and during this trip, we've talked a lot about the important economic ties between the US and Poland; this visit gave us a chance to learn more about the significant - especially now - political ties between the two countries.

The consulate serves several purposes in Krakow.  It's in charge of all services to US citizens living in and visiting Poland, and is in charge of issuing visas for southern Poland.  While other EU citizens have a travel visa waiver to the US, due to a confluence of circumstances, Poles are not issued a waiver.  Instead, Poles must apply for travel visas and undergo an interview process.  Approximately 95% of requests are granted, but this must reach 97% for the country to be granted an automatic waiver.  We met several Poles throughout the week that said they refused to travel to the US until this waiver is granted.

Particularly interesting at the moment is the US-Poland relationship in light of the situation in Russia.  With its location on the map, Poland has historically been a battleground between the great powers of Germany and Russia.  Poles today are vehemently anti-Russian, and are concerned about Russian aggression in the Ukraine.  Poland must rely on organizations like NATO and individual allies like the US to make sure it is able to maintain a strong front against any potential future Russian action.