What rights does the EU passport give to its holders in the USA?
The holders of an EU passport have certain rights and privileges when visiting or residing in the United States. These rights are primarily based on the Visa Waiver Program and the EU-US Open Skies Agreement.
One of the main rights that EU passport holders have in the United States is the ability to travel without a visa for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes. This is thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, it is important to note that some restrictions still remain, such as having a machine-readable passport, as well as the ability to pass ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is necessary for visa-free entry to the United States.
Additionally, EU passport holders have the right to certain legal protections in the United States. For example, they are protected by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which allows them to request assistance from their country's consular officials in the event of arrest or detention. They also have the right to a fair trial and the right to legal counsel, as protected by the US Constitution.
Finally, EU passport holders are also entitled to access the US social security system if they meet the eligibility requirements, as well as other social benefits such as healthcare and education.
In conclusion, holders of an EU passport have certain rights and privileges when visiting or residing in the United States, such as the ability to travel without a visa for a specific time-frames, the ability to reside and work in the country, legal protections and access to certain benefits such as healthcare and education.