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Panel Updates Staffers on Pending Visa Legislation
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| Paul Wyganowski, Janusz Bugajski and Paul Rosenzweig participate in the visa symposium |
The panelists discussed the status of proposed modernization and enlargement of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) now the subject of legislation recently introduced in the Senate (S-4 and the original Sen. Voinovich bill). They also commented on the impact of expanding the VWP with particular reference to inclusion of US allies in Central Europe and pointed out the negative foreign policy implications of failure to do so. Principal points made during the presentations and Q&A period were:
- VWP enhancement and expansion is designed to improve US security, improve relations with new members and have a positive economic impact.
- The existing VWP including 27 countries, predominately in Europe, is outdated. It must be modernized to apply uniform, security-enhancing standards to all countries worldwide who seek inclusion in the program. The goal is to assess individual travelers from member countries in ways that will enhance US security and the security of all travelers to the US.
- In the interests of reciprocity, the VWP will not demand security standards from other countries that the US will not meet.
- Enhanced security standards
include:
- Better reporting on lost passports
- Better data on travelers, including criminal background
- Development of an electronic travel authorization form for those not requiring visas
- Securing agreement from countries to take back "overstay" cases - a problem with certain countries (not Visegrad group)
- Increased airport security and use of air marshals
- Improved document standards
- State and DHS support VWP as a positive program and seek to keep it and strengthen it. Half of the approximately 16 million tourists and business visitors to the US in 2006 came in under the VWP.
- All future and current members of the VWP must apply the new, enhanced standards. Current members realize this and appreciate the utility of membership in the VWP.
- US relations with the countries of Central Europe liberated from Communism and now on a democratic path have been based on respect, gratitude and good will. The CE countries have therefore supported US policies, including our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, US assistance is no longer provided or needed and CE participation in Iraq has brought them problems rather than benefits. As one panelist put it, the US-CE relationship has lost its overarching raison d'etre.
- Central European citizens see West European countries that have not supported US policies as strongly as they have in the VWP, while they have difficulty traveling to the US. This has caused considerable resentment. With travel and study opportunities for Central Europeans now open within the EU and travel to the US problematic, the urge of Central Europeans to visit the US is declining.
- Opening the VWP to the countries of Central Europe will improve relations, even if it will not dramatically alter the current public view of the US.
- The President is strongly committed to strengthening and expanding the VWP. If legislation is passed in timely fashion, USG panelists considered it feasible for qualified new members to enter the program before the end of the current Presidential term of office.
- The new VWP legislation, which currently calls for a 10% refusal rate cap (Sen. Feinstein amendment) and requires DHS to put in place a system for tracking visitors leaving the US by air & sea exit points, has passed the Senate (S.4) and will now require a conference involving VWP legislation which has emerged from the House.
- Current non-immigrant visa refusal rates: Czech Republic 9.4%; Hungary 12.7%; Slovakia 16%; Poland 26.2%
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| Paul Rosenzweig presents the Dept. of Homeland Security position while Mark Pekala listens |