March 11, 2003	Tuesday	Muharram 7, 1424

TORONTO, March 10: America’s new visa requirement is expected to affect more than half a million landed immigrants living in Canada.

From March 17 onwards, according to a legal expert, landed immigrants from over 50 countries, including Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, will need visas to enter the US.

At present they can cross the border freely.

Landed immigrants from some Commonwealth countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, are exempt from visa restrictions.

According to the US government, the new visa requirement is needed to increase security.