Number
111680
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DUDZIK
Title
Resolution supporting passage of the federal Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the Common Council’s support for the federal Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act (H.R. 3855 and S. 2046), legislation currently pending in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. This legislation modifies the requirements of the current Visa Waiver Program by removing barriers for citizens of certain American allies, such as Poland, to travel to the United States without a visa.
Body
Whereas, On January 31, 2012, the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate (H.R. 3855 and S. 2046, respectively); and
Whereas, Currently, as part of the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of 36 foreign countries can travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa; and
Whereas, Current law uses the visa refusal rate as one of the criteria for designation in the Visa Waiver Program, and that number has kept certain American allies from participation in the program; and
Whereas, The Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the Visa Waiver Program to:
1. Authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate any country as a program country.
2. Adjust the visa refusal rate criteria, including the addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate.
3. Revise probationary and termination provisions.
; and
Whereas, H.R. 3855 and S. 2046 modify the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program by removing barriers for citizens of certain American allies, such as Poland, to travel to the United States without a visa; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council supports H.R. 3855 and S. 2046, and urges both houses of Congress to pass the Visa Waiver Program Enhanc...
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