[PASSED] WA Border Policy

[Goobergunchia]

OOC: In queue! Thank you everyone for the support, assistance, and questions along the way.

IC:
Walter the wary walrus wandered into the General Assembly and slid into his desk, followed closely by his translator. Walter looked intently at a draft that had been sitting on his desk for some time before bellowing

OROOO ROOH ROH ROOO

Walter's translator nervously stepped forward and addressed the hall

*ahem* Hello everyone. Here is a proposal I have been working on for awhile, please let me know what your thoughts are. Obviously the category concern is present, so feedback on that would be greatly appreciated. I know, I know, "Write to the category!" but we know that no one actually does that. Without further ado:

WA Border Policy


The World Assembly,

Cognizant of the fact that no comprehensive General Assembly law regarding the state of borders between World Assembly member nations exists,

Believing that in the interests of economic prosperity and international cooperation, the creation of zones of free movement is to be encouraged,

However aware that not all member states are able or willing to open their borders to all other member states,

Hereby

1. Creates the World Assembly Border Committee ("WABC") as a subcommittee of the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation
2. Tasks WABC with processing applications from member states to join a free movement zone ("WABC Zone"),
3. Requires that applicant states, in order to be approved by WABC, meet a list of criteria established by WABC which will include an analysis of their border security regarding non-consenting and non-member states,
4. Explains that the WABC Zone applies to consenting states only and allows unlimited travel across borders at designated points between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,
5. Authorizes WABC to negotiate on behalf of consenting states with member states and non-member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state or non-member state consent to join the WABC Zone,
   
6. Further authorizes WABC to change a consenting state's border laws to create a single unified policy across consenting states that is to be publicized before any member state joins,
7. Directs WABC to develop procedures for a consenting state to withdraw from the WABC Zone in an efficient, timely manner,
8. Forbids consenting states from restricting the right of individuals from other consenting states to travel or find employment within any consenting state differently from existing citizens of the state in question, subject to such reasonable restrictions that consenting states may institute in the interest of public health and safety,
9. Compels all member states, including those which do not join the WABC Zone, to conduct an annual review of their border policies,
10. Designates that each member state shall appoint at least one liaison to the WABC, and lastly
11. Encourages all member states to negotiate bilateral agreements with the WABC even if they do not wish to consent to join the WABC Zone

[Separatist Peoples]

OOC: So, basically an EU situation with participating states, with an option to not participate? Fascinating. I might try Human Rights, since freedom of motion is certainly a civil right-type thing. I'll follow up with something IC soon.

[Unnamedland]

"Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation"
Just realized the acronym for that is GESTAPO.

[The Wary Walrus]

OOC: So, basically an EU situation with participating states, with an option to not participate? Fascinating. I might try Human Rights, since freedom of motion is certainly a civil right-type thing. I'll follow up with something IC soon.

OOC: Essentially, yes. The Schengen Area is my inspiration, though I haven't actually read any of the language of the Agreement. Human Rights makes sense, but there is a Free Trade argument to be made in my mind since the movement of labor is a key component to free trade.

[Separatist Peoples]

OOC: So, basically an EU situation with participating states, with an option to not participate? Fascinating. I might try Human Rights, since freedom of motion is certainly a civil right-type thing. I'll follow up with something IC soon.

OOC: Essentially, yes. The Schengen Area is my inspiration, though I haven't actually read any of the language of the Agreement. Human Rights makes sense, but there is a Free Trade argument to be made in my mind since the movement of labor is a key component to free trade.

OOC: You'd have to hump that particularly hard, and possibly even make some taxation provisions, to justify Free Trade, but I think that would work. You do definitely need at least one clause that will affect all states regardless of participation to avoid any challenges regarding Optionality, but when I'm up for a better IC post, I'll make a nod to that. you already have two. DOH!

[Tinfect]

Cognizant of the fact that there exists no current comprehensive General Assembly law regarding the state of borders between World Assembly member nations,

"Something that the Imperium, and doubtlessly many other Member-States consider to be a quite good thing."

Believing that in the interests of economic prosperity and international cooperation the creation of zones of free movement is to be encouraged,

"The Imperium has achieved 'economic prosperity' that many civilizations will not achieve in centuries of development and expansion, without any form of international trade. Nor is our border policy open to alterations."

However aware that not all member states are able or willing to open their borders to all other member states,

"Ah, good, we can assume this draft is to then be abandoned?"

Tasks the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation with processing applications from member states to join a free movement zone,
Explains that this zone applies to consenting member states only and allows unlimited travel across borders between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,

"Clearly not.
Optionality is illegal before the secretariat."

Authorizes the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation to negotiate bilaterally on behalf of consenting states with member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state consent to the free movement zone,

"We have little to comment on this section, merely to question your avoidance of the shortened form of the Organization's name. In any case, the border policy of the Imperium is, at this time, not up for negotiation."

Compels all member states to conduct an annual review of their border policies, and lastly

"The Imperium sees no reason for this clause, other than to force Member-States to waste resources organizing a review of policy that is unlikely to change.

This draft is illegal before the Secretariat, and entirely pointless, as any state wishing to destroy any semblance of their border security by maintaining an open border, is fully capable of doing so without the involvement of the World Assembly. Needless to say, we are opposed."

[The Wary Walrus]

OOC: Essentially, yes. The Schengen Area is my inspiration, though I haven't actually read any of the language of the Agreement. Human Rights makes sense, but there is a Free Trade argument to be made in my mind since the movement of labor is a key component to free trade.

OOC: You'd have to hump that particularly hard, and possibly even make some taxation provisions, to justify Free Trade, but I think that would work. You do definitely need at least one clause that will affect all states regardless of participation to avoid any challenges regarding Optionality, but when I'm up for a better IC post, I'll make a nod to that. you already have two. DOH!

OOC: I think I manage to get around the optionality issue by compelling the annual review, do I not?

[Separatist Peoples]

Cognizant of the fact that there exists no current comprehensive General Assembly law regarding the state of borders between World Assembly member nations,

"Something that the Imperium, and doubtlessly many other Member-States consider to be a quite good thing."

"Come now, Markhov, lets let the man...walrus...lets let them talk before dismissing the idea."

Believing that in the interests of economic prosperity and international cooperation the creation of zones of free movement is to be encouraged,

"The Imperium has achieved 'economic prosperity' that many civilizations will not achieve in centuries of development and expansion, without any form of international trade. Nor is our border policy open to alterations."

"But not all of us have, so some of us are willing to keep working towards it."

Tasks the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation with processing applications from member states to join a free movement zone,
Explains that this zone applies to consenting member states only and allows unlimited travel across borders between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,

"Clearly not.
Optionality is illegal before the secretariat."

"This is but one portion."

Authorizes the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation to negotiate bilaterally on behalf of consenting states with member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state consent to the free movement zone,

"We have little to comment on this section, merely to question your avoidance of the shortened form of the Organization's name. In any case, the border policy of the Imperium is, at this time, not up for negotiation."

"Participation is voluntary. The Imperium doesn't have to open their borders. And its hardly their fault that the committee has a godawful name."

"The Imperium sees no reason for this clause, other than to force Member-States to waste resources organizing a review of policy that is unlikely to change.

"If nations are not already engaging in border policy reviews, then they are neglecting a major component of security, and could be risking both their own and other nations by failing to adequately review any possible weaknesses in the system. No mandate for change is necessary."

This draft is illegal before the Secretariat, and entirely pointless, as any state wishing to destroy any semblance of their border security by maintaining an open border, is fully capable of doing so without the involvement of the World Assembly. Needless to say, we are opposed."

"No it isn't. There is an optionality section, but there are clauses that affect all member states. Markhov, you know better than that."

[The Wary Walrus]

Walter the Wary Walrus listened carefully to the shrill objections coming from a distant corner of the hall and replied with a mighty roar OROO ROH RO ROH

His translator stepped forward and explained...

Cognizant of the fact that there exists no current comprehensive General Assembly law regarding the state of borders between World Assembly member nations,

"Something that the Imperium, and doubtlessly many other Member-States consider to be a quite good thing."

Yes, it is entirely possible that thousands of nations agree with you. But I'd be willing to bet that thousands more, and indeed a majority, agree with me.

Believing that in the interests of economic prosperity and international cooperation the creation of zones of free movement is to be encouraged,

"The Imperium has achieved 'economic prosperity' that many civilizations will not achieve in centuries of development and expansion, without any form of international trade. Nor is our border policy open to alterations."

While your lack of understanding of comparative advantage is endearing to the rest of us, don't pretend that trade and movement of labor cannot be beneficial. And you will find that if you are a WA member, your border policy is indeed open to alteration at the will of the WA.

However aware that not all member states are able or willing to open their borders to all other member states,

"Ah, good, we can assume this draft is to then be abandoned?"

Afraid not, since I believe I have found a way around this issue.

Tasks the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation with processing applications from member states to join a free movement zone,
Explains that this zone applies to consenting member states only and allows unlimited travel across borders between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,

"Clearly not.
Optionality is illegal before the secretariat."

Ah but that is where you are wrong. The relevant rule states:

Operative Clause: Every proposal has to have some recognizable effect on member nations, such as requiring them to take action or encouraging them to support a policy change.

You will find that there is an operative clause with an effect on ALL member states.

Authorizes the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation to negotiate bilaterally on behalf of consenting states with member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state consent to the free movement zone,

"We have little to comment on this section, merely to question your avoidance of the shortened form of the Organization's name. In any case, the border policy of the Imperium is, at this time, not up for negotiation."

OOC: We all know why I'm avoiding saying GESTAPO as much as possible.

Compels all member states to conduct an annual review of their border policies, and lastly

"The Imperium sees no reason for this clause, other than to force Member-States to waste resources organizing a review of policy that is unlikely to change.

This draft is illegal before the Secretariat, and entirely pointless, as any state wishing to destroy any semblance of their border security by maintaining an open border, is fully capable of doing so without the involvement of the World Assembly. Needless to say, we are opposed."

The draft is not illegal based on optionality, has a point, and you will find that nations are capable of doing many things without the WA, yet still we utilize it as a tool to enhance international relations. Your absurd position is easily reduced to nonsense since it is based upon nonsense.

[Separatist Peoples]

OOC: You'd have to hump that particularly hard, and possibly even make some taxation provisions, to justify Free Trade, but I think that would work. You do definitely need at least one clause that will affect all states regardless of participation to avoid any challenges regarding Optionality, but when I'm up for a better IC post, I'll make a nod to that. you already have two. DOH!

OOC: I think I manage to get around the optionality issue by compelling the annual review, do I not?

OOC: You do. I caught that too late. I'm gonna do an IC review now, since apparently I have time now.

Walter the wary walrus wandered into the General Assembly and slid into his desk, followed closely by his translator. Walter looked intently at a draft that had been sitting on his desk for some time before bellowing

OROOO ROOH ROH ROOO

Walter's translator nervously stepped forward and addressed the hall

*ahem* Hello everyone. Here is a proposal I have been working on for awhile, please let me know what your thoughts are. Obviously the category concern is present, so feedback on that would be greatly appreciated. I know, I know, "Write to the category!" but we know that no one actually does that. Without further ado:

"Walter! How lovely to see you again!"

WA Border Policy

The World Assembly,

Cognizant of the fact that there exists no current comprehensive General Assembly law regarding the state of borders between World Assembly member nations,

Believing that in the interests of economic prosperity and international cooperation the creation of zones of free movement is to be encouraged,

"If you want to lean towards Human Rights, you need to punch up the value of free movement on an international level. If you want to lean towards Free Trade, you very much need to emphasize the value of movement for labor. Free Trade seems like the better option, not because of the category benefits, but because freedom of movement is difficult to justify on its own."

However aware that not all member states are able or willing to open their borders to all other member states,

"We are one such nation."

Hereby

Tasks the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation with processing applications from member states to join a free movement zone,

"If you're so gunshy about the committee name, create a subcategory under GESTAPO and run duties through them. Then you don't need to use GESTAPO as an abbreviation, and you don't repeat the longhand version."

Explains that this zone applies to consenting member states only and allows unlimited travel across borders between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,

"Unlimited you say? How would you be able to tell when an individual is actually from such a territory without checking their documentation? You'd have to ensure that participating member states make absolutely sure they, to the best of their ability, vet those who enter their borders from a nonparticipatory state to prevent any abuse."

Authorizes the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation to negotiate bilaterally on behalf of consenting states with member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state consent to the free movement zone,

"I would add a requirement for maintenance of a permanent liaison with GESTAPO that serves as a single point of communication. So there is no confusion between GESTAPO and different countries."

[*]Requires that applicant states, in order to be approved by the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation, meet a list of criteria established by the Organisation which will include an analysis of their border security regarding non-consenting and non-member states,

"I would argue that an open border policy in the name of free trade is a perk that the WA should tread greedily, to incentivize membership."

Forbids consenting states from restricting the right of individuals from other consenting states to find housing and employment within any consenting state,

"I really think that this is your strongest supporting claim for Free Trade, because its clear that this isn't just for the benefit of tourists or refugees, but for those seeking employment elsewhere."

Compels all member states to conduct an annual review of their border policies, and lastly

"Perfectly reasonable. Borders are all weak somewhere, and a chink in the armor of one could absolutely affect us all."

Encourages all member states to negotiate bilateral agreements with the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation even if they do not wish to consent to join the free movement zone

"Reasonable catch-all.

"All in all, I find this quite reasonable, especially since it allows states that do not wish to participate to refrain."

[Tinfect]

While your lack of understanding of comparative advantage is endearing to the rest of us, don't pretend that trade and movement of labor cannot be beneficial. And you will find that if you are a WA member, your border policy is indeed open to alteration at the will of the WA.

"The Imperium is well aware of the perceived benefits of market systems. We will have no part in it, and the Imperium is far stronger than other Civilizations for our independence from such."

"No it isn't. There is an optionality section, but there are clauses that affect all member states. Markhov, you know better than that."

Afraid not, since I believe I have found a way around this issue.

"Hardly. I do not believe the Secretariat includes an exemption if it can only be partially ignored."

You will find that there is an operative clause with an effect on ALL member states.

"That is something of a tortured interpretation, but at this time I am not prepared to debate the point, I will, for a time, presume this draft legal in further statements."

OOC: We all know why I'm avoiding saying GESTAPO as much as possible.

OOC:
I've always thought it was hilarious, but I suppose that's fair. The confusion was entirely IC anyhow.
IC:

"But not all of us have, so some of us are willing to keep working towards it."

"Ambassador, surely your Government is capable negotiating on its own behalf, without creating an international committee existing for the sole purpose of harassing those Governments that wish to retain control over their border policy?"

"No it isn't. There is an optionality section, but there are clauses that affect all member states. Markhov, you know better than that."

"Again, this is quite a tenuous argument. Any legislation can be made 'non-optional' by including a clause that mandates that Member-States sift through paperwork on occasion. It does not equate to a substantive mandate, in the view of the Imperium. But, as stated, we will await the position of the Secretariat on this matter."

[Wallenburg]

"Wallenburg will never participate in this program, should these clauses go into effect. Furthermore, her delegation shall vote against this proposal should it go to vote, as we consider this entirely unnecessary to the betterment of the international community."

[Europe and Oceania]

We love this idea, I support this and will approve this when you submit it and vote for it.

[West Angola]

"Strong support from the West Angolan delegation. I'll defer to the honorable representative from Separatist Peoples regarding changes. I, for one, fondly recall his flexibility in a variety of matters," Ambassador Grey finished with a wry glance at Bell.

[World Assembly Improvement Foundation]

"No it isn't. There is an optionality section, but there are clauses that affect all member states. Markhov, you know better than that."

Afraid not, since I believe I have found a way around this issue.

"Hardly. I do not believe the Secretariat includes an exemption if it can only be partially ignored."

You will find that there is an operative clause with an effect on ALL member states.

"That is something of a tortured interpretation, but at this time I am not prepared to debate the point, I will, for a time, presume this draft legal in further statements."

"No it isn't. There is an optionality section, but there are clauses that affect all member states. Markhov, you know better than that."

"Again, this is quite a tenuous argument. Any legislation can be made 'non-optional' by including a clause that mandates that Member-States sift through paperwork on occasion. It does not equate to a substantive mandate, in the view of the Imperium. But, as stated, we will await the position of the Secretariat on this matter."

OOC:

You should know better than this, Tinfect. Mod precedent has pretty firmly established that even one URGES clause is sufficient to avoid optionality.

[Tinfect]

OOC:

You should know better than this, Tinfect. Mod precedent has pretty firmly established that even one URGES clause is sufficient to avoid optionality.

OOC:
It... has? First of all, that's asinine, second, where? I don't recall seeing it anywhere.

[Separatist Peoples]

OOC:

You should know better than this, Tinfect. Mod precedent has pretty firmly established that even one URGES clause is sufficient to avoid optionality.

OOC:
It... has? First of all, that's asinine, second, where? I don't recall seeing it anywhere.

OOC: that's been the case since I was new. Much like Committee Only, Optionality only needs one universally effective clause to evade violation. This is totally legal.

[Kaboomlandia]

This is a reasonable resolution that I have no reason to oppose. While Kaboomlandia has no intent or wish to loosen their borders, the act doesn't appear to have anything forcing them to. In support.

-Terry Miller
Ambassador to the WA

[The Wary Walrus]

Walter nodded at the reasoned delegation from Separatist Peoples and explained

ROH ROH OROOO

His translator piped up

Walter the wary walrus wandered into the General Assembly and slid into his desk, followed closely by his translator. Walter looked intently at a draft that had been sitting on his desk for some time before bellowing

OROOO ROOH ROH ROOO

Walter's translator nervously stepped forward and addressed the hall

*ahem* Hello everyone. Here is a proposal I have been working on for awhile, please let me know what your thoughts are. Obviously the category concern is present, so feedback on that would be greatly appreciated. I know, I know, "Write to the category!" but we know that no one actually does that. Without further ado:

"Walter! How lovely to see you again!"

A pleasure to see you as well!

WA Border Policy

The World Assembly,

Cognizant of the fact that there exists no current comprehensive General Assembly law regarding the state of borders between World Assembly member nations,

Believing that in the interests of economic prosperity and international cooperation the creation of zones of free movement is to be encouraged,

"If you want to lean towards Human Rights, you need to punch up the value of free movement on an international level. If you want to lean towards Free Trade, you very much need to emphasize the value of movement for labor. Free Trade seems like the better option, not because of the category benefits, but because freedom of movement is difficult to justify on its own."

Indeed, I'm still not sure which way to go on this but I think I'd prefer Free Trade. I will consider how to adjust the resolution appropriately.

Explains that this zone applies to consenting member states only and allows unlimited travel across borders between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,

"Unlimited you say? How would you be able to tell when an individual is actually from such a territory without checking their documentation? You'd have to ensure that participating member states make absolutely sure they, to the best of their ability, vet those who enter their borders from a nonparticipatory state to prevent any abuse."

That is where the GESTAPO comes into play with their criteria. If clarification on this is needed let me know and I can work it into the draft.

Authorizes the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation to negotiate bilaterally on behalf of consenting states with member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state consent to the free movement zone,

"I would add a requirement for maintenance of a permanent liaison with GESTAPO that serves as a single point of communication. So there is no confusion between GESTAPO and different countries."

A good point, this will be added.

"All in all, I find this quite reasonable, especially since it allows states that do not wish to participate to refrain."

That is the idea, yes. Frankly I'm surprised no one has tried it before.

[World Assembly Improvement Foundation]

OOC:

You should know better than this, Tinfect. Mod precedent has pretty firmly established that even one URGES clause is sufficient to avoid optionality.

OOC:
It... has? First of all, that's asinine,

Is that your favorite word, or something?

second, where? I don't recall seeing it anywhere.

It's been a mod ruling for at least two years, and Wrapper seems to agree with it:

OOC: Both encouragements and suggestions are actions that affect another subject, grammatically speaking. They require a direct or indirect object to be acted upon. A wish does not have that same connotation.

OOC: Thank you for putting into words what I couldn't.

I'd actually strongly suggest you read all of that latter conversation, it is rather enlightening to the GA's attitude as a whole to the optionality rule.

[Tinfect]

Is that your favorite word, or something?

OOC:
It's just an adjective mate.

It's been a mod ruling for at least two years, and Wrapper seems to agree with it:
[snip]
I'd actually strongly suggest you read all of that latter conversation, it is rather enlightening to the GA's attitude as a whole to the optionality rule.

Eh, it's still some tortured bullshit. But I suppose one can't really argue with Word of Mod.
Er, that being the Ruling you linked, I am well aware that Wrapper was not yet a Mod when he posted that.

[Araraukar]

"The Imperium has achieved 'economic prosperity' that many civilizations will not achieve in centuries of development and expansion, without any form of international trade. Nor is our border policy open to alterations."

So you're saying that at no point in your history has your nation ever traded with foreign nations?

OOC EDIT: One issue with copying Schengen is that most Schengen nations create a continuous area with shared borders (I think Greece is the exception), while many WA nations co-exist only within the WAHQ dimension bubble.

[Sciongrad]

"This is something Sciongrad can get behind, I think. I'm pretty sure we can get you some proper feedback soon, but for now, Sciongrad offers its tentative support," Ricardo said while carrying a wicker basket full of greens towards the door.

[Tinfect]

So you're saying that at no point in your history has your nation ever traded with foreign nations?

"Yes. In the early existence of the Imperium, there were few other existing nations with which to trade, and those were quickly conquered. Reliance on others is known to be a cause of the collapse of our predecessor state, among others. The Imperium will not suffer the same fate, nor will we allow the prosperity of the Imperium to be held hostage by foreigners attempting to improve profit margins."

OOC: You see, Tinfect, that being the Continent, not the Interstellar Empire, is pretty barren, not much grows once you get too far in from the coast, and most of what does is inedible, so before the Union (Predecessor State to the Imperium) the Coastal Nations had huge levels of control over the Inland states, during the time of the Union, the situation was a bit equitable, but the Union had to import most of its food, this reliance on Imports did not end well for the Union, when it was invaded, as ships and aircraft going in or out tended to get shot up right quick by invading forces, so, there were famines for some time, that were only worsened once the missiles started flying and large swathes of countryside all over the world were rendered useless. The Imperium, as a result, is rather terrified of being cut of from supplies in a similar manner, and eschews international trade entirely so as to remove the possibility of dependency.

[Araraukar]

OOC: You see, Tinfect, that being the Continent, not the Interstellar Empire, is pretty barren, not much grows once you get too far in from the coast, and most of what does is inedible, so before the Union (Predecessor State to the Imperium) the Coastal Nations had huge levels of control over the Inland states, during the time of the Union, the situation was a bit equitable, but the Union had to import most of its food, this reliance on Imports did not end well for the Union, when it was invaded, as ships and aircraft going in or out tended to get shot up right quick by invading forces, so, there were famines for some time, that were only worsened once the missiles started flying and large swathes of countryside all over the world were rendered useless. The Imperium, as a result, is rather terrified of being cut of from supplies in a similar manner, and eschews international trade entirely so as to remove the possibility of dependency.

OOC: Very interesting. I like how developed your IC reality is.