Hultgren Votes to Reform Visa Waiver Program as Responsible Security Measure
Press Release
U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported House passage (407 to 19) of H.R. 158, the Visa Waver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. The bill closes gaps and adds additional layers of protection to the program.
"For years, our Visa Waiver Program has allowed U.S. citizens and our key trade and tourism partners to enjoy ease of travel, contributing to economic growth and improved international relations. However, recent events have exposed vulnerabilities in the program, including failures in the sharing of counterterrorism intelligence in a timely manner," said Rep. Hultgren. "This reform legislation is a responsible way to target our security weaknesses while respecting our nation's fundamental principles that have made it a beacon of hope."
Created in 1986, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows more than 20 million people annually from 38 participating countries, ranging from Australia to the United Kingdom, to more easily travel to the United States for up to 90 days. Instead of going to a U.S. consulate or embassy, citizens of participating countries must provide detailed background information that is then screened against U.S. security systems.
It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Europeans have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, many of whom are from countries that participate in the VWP. Yet, many of these countries fail to provide the U.S. intelligence community with critical information needed to ensure those traveling under the VWP are not a threat to the United States.
In order to address these vulnerabilities, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015:
Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to suspend a country's participation in the program if they fail to share counterterrorism information with the United States.
Denies Visa Waiver Program status to those citizens from participating countries that have traveled to certain terrorist hotspots since 2011.
Requires all Visa Waiver Program countries use fraud resistant "e-passports."
Allows for the suspension of high-risk countries.
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