The British ban Martha Stewart

I have to agree with the people that said the US is just as harsh -- if not harsher -- when it comes to granting visas. Today there was news that Boy George was denied a visa for a concert tour this summer, and the reason was because he is awaiting trial in London. At least Martha Stewart actually was charged with a crime -- Boy George was denied because of a crime he is (so far) only accused of committing.

I know who to root for in this: Martha Stewart is annoying, condescending, overrated, pretentious... and clearly getting the short end of the stick here.

Obstruction of justice is an odd crime in that it comes in the wake of other crimes and other investigations. There's a big difference between obstruction of justice in the course of a murder investigation and obstruction of justice in the course of Martha Stewart's situation: A rather minor (as these things go) stock scandal. In addition, she has no prior record, served her time without complaint or resistance.

The laws barring entry for convictions in other countries exist to ensure that known criminal elements don't take root in another country. You don't want Al Capone setting up shop in your backyard, even though he was only imprisoned for tax evasion. But let's be honest here, Martha Stewart is hardly a "criminal element", and while the law should have evenly applied standards, but given that obstruction of justice is a crime of such flexible scope, I think it really deserves some sort of case-by-case consideration.

if she had commited a violent crime, i'd understand, but she was convicted for insider trading!! the british are stupid!

and in regards to your question regarding us citizens not requiring visas just passports, while this is true, i think anyone with a criminal record should check their status before boarding a flight, otherwise it will mean a long return journey and humiliation.

She was convicted of a federal felony, a serious violation of section 10(b) of the Securities Act. It seems trivial but she spent time in federal prison. We wouldn't let HER into the US if she were British.

People always whine about celebrities being treated different, and rules being broken for them b/c they're famous. Well cheer up.

And yes, the US denies far more entries than does Britain, but far more people try to come to the US than Britian (from all over the world). Not saying the US is better, just a numerical fact. And you do need a visa, you just don't need to pre-apply - it gets stamped in your passport (as someone else noted). We have treaties with certian countries that allow for this (except for felons, of course).

Interestingly enough, even though Martha S is a felon, there is a lame but logical exception in the federal "felon's cant possess firearms" law that excepts felonies for securities fraud and other stuff rich people would likely do (things that, admittedly, don't involve violence or guns).

America denies far more visa's than Britain does, and pretty much any Joe non-Ami with a crim record can't get in to the country if they get stopped at the border or need to take a plane. Don't make this sound like a Limey issue, for the States (and the developed Commonwealth) tend to have the same restrictive policies.

I would love to know the criteria they use for what convictions would keep you out. Didn't Mike Tyson recently visit the U.K.?

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/05/28/mike-tyson-tells-birmingham-crowd-his-fighting-days-are-over-65233-20984797/

First joan rivers and now martha stewart? The UK is sounding better and better.

England along with most of the commonwealth countries (Canada, Australia, etc) restrict entry by convicted criminals. BTW, when you pass through immigration at Heatrhrow (or whatever airport in England) you get a visitor visa stamped into your passport. Everyone needs a visa to visit England, you just don't need to apply for one in advance.

The Limeys are covering their own backs, I would imagine.

If she comes over here and does some dodgy dealings, it might open up a whole world of pain.

You're making this out to be a uniquely British thing. It seems like every 6 months I hear about a British famous person who's defined entry to America. Off the top of my head, Amy Winehouse springs to mind. Britain is probably less strict than the US is in these matters.