Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act Introduced to U.S. Congress

1 February 2012

Senator Mark Kirk

On January 31, the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act was introduced in the Senate by Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D) and Mark Kirk (R), and in the House of Representatives by Michael Quigley (D).

Senator Kirk released the following statement: "Poland is a strong ally of the United States, plays a critical role in NATO military operations in Europe and the Middle East and its citizens should be afforded the right of visa-free travel to this country.”

"Modernizing the Visa Waiver Program will strengthen our national security and enhance international relationships with important allies like Poland, who have been denied visa-free travel because of an outdated regime," said Rep. Quigley.

Read Announcement from Rep. Quigley

Ambassador Feinstein stated “President Obama has consistently expressed his support for reform of the Visa Waiver Program to ensure that strong Allies like Poland receive proper consideration, including in his January 19 Executive Order to promote travel to and tourism in the United States.”

In May 2011, in a letter to Senator Kirk and Congressman Quigley, who visited Poland earlier this month, President Obama said: “I also share your support for Poland and disappointment that this close NATO ally has been excluded from the VWP to date.  Poland’s strong and steadfast support during our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrates the deep alliance we have forged and the close partnership between our two countries.”

Read the Letter (full text)

The Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act would require applicant countries to maintain an average non-immigrant visa overstay rate not greater than 3 percent.  The Act would require the applicant country to have a visa refusal rate not greater than 3 percent at the time of application into the Visa Waiver Program to ensure a mutual exchange with the United States. It would authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to include countries into the program if they meet all United States security standards and have a refusal rate below 10 percent, based on the total number of individual applicants.  

Read the Legislation (full text)