US immigration announces new customer-friendly approach with ambassadors to offer welcome fist bumps
The current Draconian experience is thought to be damaging America’s tourism industry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Incoming visitors often face a sombre reception at passport control in the United States.
A survey in 2006 revealed that American officials' attitudes towards foreign visitors were rude and unpleasant, with tourists citing them as being the unfriendliest in the world. Many were afraid of being detained for saying the wrong thing.
However, the unfriendly approach is thought to be damaging the nation's tourism industry. In a Ryanair-style about-turn, airport officials are working with the tourist board on a new customer-friendly welcome programme. Airport tourism ambassadors will be rolled out at key gateways New York JFK, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, LAX and Chicago O'Hare with a view to being stationed at all international gateways by the end of 2016.
The staff will be dressed in specially-designed Stars and Stripes uniforms and will welcome every incoming passenger after passport control with a "Welcome to the USA" fist bump.
Did you spot it? This story was an April Fool. Hope you enjoyed it.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments