The Visa Waiver Program today allows visa-free travel between
the U.S. and 27 countries for up to 90 days. It has not been
expanded since 9/11, however, out of concern that terrorists,
criminals, and immigration violators might exploit the opportunity
to enter the U.S. and remain unlawfully. But restricting casual
travel with many countries that seek stronger ties to America has
hurt the U.S. economy, diminished America's image abroad, and
actually foreclosed one method of encouraging friends and allies to
adopt stronger security procedures.
Visa Waiver Reform: Time for Action
The Honorable George V. Voinovich
June 18, 2007
Speaking on the pressing need for visa waver reform, Senator
Voinovich details the history of the program and the implication of
expanding it for increased security, public diplomacy, and economic
competitiveness.
Visa
Reform: How to Be Brave in a Brave New World
Helle C. Dale and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
March 22, 2007
After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Americans
became rightly concerned about two serious issues--thwarting the
international travel of terrorists and getting serious about
enforcing U.S. immigration laws. Most of what was done immediately
after 9/11 amounted to simply making it more difficult to travel to
the United States from overseas. While such caution was certainly
understandable, this approach isn't sustainable over the long
term.
Improve
the Visa Waiver Program with Exit Checks for New
Participants.
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Helle C. Dale, and James
Dean
March 19, 2007
The House and Senate recently passed bills that would implement a
number of new homeland security measures. A key provision of the
Senate's bill that would strengthen and enhance the Visa Waiver
Program (VWP) should be improved in conference by requiring
visitors from countries entering to "check out" at major U.S.
international airports when they leave the country. With this
requirement in place, the Department of Homeland Security could
ensure that foreign visitors are complying with U.S. immigration
law.
Visa
Reform
Helle C. Dale
January 25, 2007
Our allies and partners will continue to need access to the
opportunities the United States has to offer. If we fail to grasp
this, the beneficiary of their talents and energy will be the
European Union and Australia. And in the long war against
terrorism, the United States will continue to need allies and
partners. For these reasons, Congress must expand the Visa Waiver
Program.
President's Proposed Visa Waiver Program Reforms Strengthen Fight
Against Terror
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D. and Laura Keith
November 30, 2006
This article details why the President's initiative to reform the
VWP will result in better, more flexible security standards for our
nation and participating nations while at the same time
facilitating beneficial trade and bolstering public diplomacy.
New Evidence for a New Visa Waiver Policy
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
September 18, 2006
The Bush Administration should move quickly to implement the GAO's
recommendations for improving the Visa Waiver Program. In addition,
the Administration and Congress should expand the program to bring
more like-minded nations into a secure regime that makes traveling
between free nations faster and easier and helps impede the travel
of terrorists and criminals.
The Visa Process: Strategic Direction for a 21st Century
System
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
September 13, 2005
Testifying before Congress, Dr. James Jay Carafano outlines a
series of recommendations for a safer and more effective visa
process. Central to this strategy is an expanded Visa Waiver
Program.
Rethinking VISA Policy for the 21st Century
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
August 8, 2006
Here, Dr. James Jay Carafano outlines the historical
underpinnings, implications, and functions of an expanded Visa
Waiver Program, which include spurring tourism and economic
investment, rewarding U.S. allies, ensuring reciprocal trade
benefits, and mitigating national security and immigration
risks.
A Visa Reform Plan for Congress
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
June 25, 2006
Since 9/11, Congress has done far too little to encourage foreign
visitors to come to the United States. Foreign travel to America
has still not recovered to pre-9/11 levels, and congressional
inaction threatens to undermine the competitiveness of U.S.
society. By developing an action plan to speed the process of
issuing visas and expanding the Visa Waiver Program, Congress can
both reestablish America's reputation as an open and welcoming
country and make the nation more secure against foreign
threats.
Wayward
Thinking
Helle C. Dale
June 8, 2006
As currently configured, the Visa Waiver Program has helped foster
anti-American sentiment in countries that do not qualify and
presents problems for governments that want to remain allies of the
United States in the global war on terror. For these and other
reasons, the program should be expanded.
Visa Waiver Initiative in Senate Immigration Bill Falls
Short
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
May 31, 2006
Since 9/11, nothing has been done to expand the Visa Waiver
Program as an effective way of both facilitating travel and
frustrating the efforts of terrorists seeking to enter the United
States. An amendment to "The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act
of 2006" (S.2611) attempted to address this failure but falls
short.
Road
Maps for Visa Waiver Program Lead Nowhere
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
February 17, 2006
In February 2005, President George W. Bush announced his intention
to establish "road maps" for countries interested in participating
in the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Nine European
countries that do not currently participate in the VWP are
working with the United States to develop road maps. The road maps
are a good first step, but they are not sufficient to meet
U.S. economic and security concerns. Congress needs to give the
Administration authority to negotiate more aggressive plans
for VWP expansion.
With
a Little Help from Our Friends: Enhancing Security by Expanding the
Visa Waiver Program
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
February 3, 2006
Protecting America and promoting economic growth and freedom
require international partnerships that serve mutual
interests. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is one example. The VWP
enhances security by setting common standards and promotes economic
growth and cultural ties. Congress should use the VWP more
effectively by giving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
broader authority to expand the program to other countries.
Including South Korea in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
Balbina Y. Hwang, Ph.D.
July 25, 2005
Most Americans would be surprised to learn that one of the most
troublesome issues for South Korean citizens with the United States
is not growing tensions about North Korea's illicit nuclear weapons
program but that the Republic of Korea (ROK) is not included in the
U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Building the Alliance for Freedom: An Agenda for Improving and
Expanding the Visa Waiver Program
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Richard Weitz, Ph.D.
May 6, 2005
Homeland security is really a cooperative effort that enables
nations to serve their mutual interests and protect their
citizens--as well as the global economic lifelines that carry
the free flow of goods, services, peoples, and ideas--against the
threat of transnational terrorism. Strengthening the international
instruments that help to achieve this goal has to be a U.S.
priority. One important tool is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).