No need to speculate - they don't care for the US - they are free to leave any time they choose. They've already been replaced by 500 Mexicans today, I am sure. So, no net loss. Hope they like winter.

Economic or Bush?

stunt.

US family wants asylum in Finland
---------------------------------------------------
Give one good reason why any American should go to IRAQ in a military uniform, to trash that nation even more.

To make America safer !!!!!!!!
GC

Hate it and leave it.

Why didn't they just emigrate somewhere.

Those poor Americans, suffering miserably as they are awash in material weath and relative safety. I sure hope this poor family enjoys that yucky Scandic food and the long cold winters. What scurvy dogs! On the other hand, I sure do not want my kids in this "Oilman's" war, but a just war is another story. Americans really do need a reason to fight and when we have our hearts in it, that's when we can win.

Why don't they keep going to Russia? They and their dollars are always welcome.

It will be interesting what they seek asylum for.... I hope it comes out.

Makes a nice change - and shows much more imagination - than fleeing to Canada.

Then again, it could just be that they want to earn in euros rather than the crappy old US dollar. Who would want to have held the dismal greenback over the past 5 years?

6. I'm no really here

Visas and limits on duration of stays.

Will resolve all issues at once, such as no need for work permits, registration, entitlement to start a bank account, access to publicly funded schooling...

Access to facilities as a national or guest.

Travel insurance is difficult to get for long durations, often does not apply on non returning trips and medical insurance normally specifies your nationality to be from the country it is sold in.

Reflecting the US in a more realistic light.

8. jobbyweeker, Karelia

Good location choice as it is in both. But the last time I was in Moscow, the newer exchanges and banks were listing the euro as top of the exchange board. Moscow is an excellent city, with the best public transport at low prices and mobiles even work on the underground. However it was the second most expensive place I have stayed in after Monaco. However, sadly they think whisky can be called whisky at five years old.

9. Gramma Kitty,

Realistically for asylum you need to show persecution for a legitimate belief or action, so it will be interesting to see if they have grounds to claim, and what these grounds are.

8. Finnking, Karelia

Go crawl back under your rock

James, #11 - now you are just being silly and showing your early onset dementia. Seek treatment - although, there is no cure. its a long way to the bottom, but you seem to be about 90% of the way there.

#14. Conan, Cgaighouse - "just being silly" - and youthought you had the monopoly. If I am 90% on the way to dementia, you must 150% of the way. Try to get out more (and I don't mean the distillery tour); a long walk off a short pier perhaps.

Don't suppose I could go to Tahiti? Figi? Ah, come on...

This is not the first story of this kind. There was another American family not long ago who asked for asylum on the grounds of persecution by the authorities (following them, tapping their phones etc).

OK James - don't you feel this foolishness has gone on long enough? You are so entertaining, in a demented sort of way.

#17 Were they trying to escape that mad Scientology crowd? They'd pursued anyone, even to the North pole.

Why is this even a news story? Is this a man bites dog story?

I wish them well with their new country. They are a Finnish problem now.

15. James Donald, Corstofyn
Sir,
I once took a short walk off a long pier and never reached the end.

Put that into a simple mathamatical equation and u will be surprised at what comes out

GC

#10-bien-"Who would want to have held the dismal greenback"- About 12mil illegal immigrants & their family members who haven't made it across our borders yet.

#10 Goody good

You are oh so right! Anybody holding those miserable greenbacks should get rid of them as fast as possible. For you Bien, and all like minded readers, as a public service you may send any and all of your miserable greenbacks to me, 57Nomad, and I will see that they are disposed of properly

#18. Conan, Craighouse - "don't you feel this foolishness has gone on long enough?" - do you, since you continue with the insults?
#21. GalacticCannibal, Murrieta, CA - "I once took a short walk off a long pier and never reached the end" - don't think that would have the result I am looking for.

#25. BW's Gay Brother - Who threw a bun? If you have a problem with Djookers take it up with him. BTW I don't recall any of your posts being particularly well informed or well mannered. Mostly tripe like #25 with nothing to do with the story.