Ah, US Immigration. One of the reasons I actively avoid going there. For the record, I do have a current Visa Waiver: I needed it because I was flying on Air NZ 2 last year: the plane left Auckland, landed at LAX, and we were all trooped through US Homeland Security before getting on the same plane, now replenished and refueled, to continue on our flight to London.

But Sam Briggs is having problems getting to the Crossfit Games. Sam is Northern, attended the games (and won it) — and this is the last year she is in the open division, as it is quite likely that Masters will begin at 35. Sam is 34.

Suggestions have included talking to the Belfast Office, and checking the visa version (she has US sponsors, so she can’t turn up on a tourist visa, but if she is paid by a UK branch this is apparently is OK).

The fact that Crossfit was designed and put together by a coach and a bunch of veterans and first responders, that Sam used to fight fires and is a good progressive personally[1] matter not. Someone is managing to annoy one of the few sporting groups that like the USA.

I am writing this post hoping that someone in the CrossFit community can help me … I have run into a problem with the processing of my visa at the U.S. Embassy in London and unfortunately, it will not be adjudicated in time for me to enter the United States to participate in the CrossFit Games this year. I am looking for assistance with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) with granting me permission under parole in a limited capacity to come to the United States for the sole purpose of participating in the CrossFit Games. I have gone through all of the proper immigration channels, and this how now become an emergency situation for me and I ask that you please assist me with this matter. I understand that this is an extreme request, and I assure that it is not taken lightly. I just hope that someone in the CrossFit community is able to assist me. If you have any questions or seek additional information, please feel free to contact law firm Guerra & Johnson, P.C., at [email protected] and/or [email protected]. Or private message me … Any help and assistance will be greatly appreciated

The community did gather around her. But this should not stand. I’ll never make the games (I’m the slowest geek in the gym) but the women and men who are elite and do coach aim for one meet a year. It is currently held in California. If you can let it the Iranian Soccer team, then you can let in a woman who does crossfit. This has, or should have, nothing to do with the current issues between the UK and the EU: the USA does not belong to the commonwealth or the European Union.

I think someone in the Embassy has not looked at the law carefully enough.

But Sam gives an example in this: although she is facing difficulties in what is her profession, she is grateful for the messages of support she has obtained.

I’m not a citizen of the USA: I have no influence and the folks from the USA who read this may have less. But know this: if you stick too many barriers in the way barriers will be placed in your way. If you annoy your allies they will not be there when you need them. For goodwill is very easily destroyed.
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1. Crossfit posted a profile of her long term partner some years ago, and no, I won’t link to it. She is a graphic designer. And this should not matter: she qualified for the games — unless she is a terrorist or felon she should be able to go.