US House passes bill to strengthen visa waiver program

This bill would also bar travelers who have been to Iraq and Syria since March 2011 from availing the Visa Waiver Program.

Under the legislation, citizens from countries that qualify for the program would be denied visa-free entry to the US if they have visited Iraq, Syria or other countries deemed to be terror hotspots in the last five years, or if they are citizens of those countries.

The program was criticized in the aftermath of the attacks on Paris, as most of the attackers would have been cleared to enter the United States without a visa under the program. With the overwhelming support the bill received, House Spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday they hope that Congress would quickly act to pass the bill. The measure, which passed the House 407-19 and is supported by President Obama, will now require visas for anyone who has traveled to Iraq or Syria in the past five years. On Tuesday, the House overwhelmingly passed HR 158, which tightens the visa waiver program that has been exploited by would-be terrorists in recent years.

The bill backed by the White House and proposed by Republicans would likewise require participating nations to share counterterrorism advice together with the U.s.

But GOP lawmakers say that Congress will also take a wider look at USA visa programs and policies, including scrutinizing the K-1 fiancée visa that was used by Tashfeen Malik, the shooter in the San Bernardino terror attacks.

There are now 38 countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. “This could mean that a second tier of American citizens, including Iranian Americans, would be forced to apply for a visa to travel to many nations in Europe and other eligible countries”.

“It’s critically important that we make sure that if there has been that kind of travel overseas that we do background checks and we make sure that we know who is coming into the United States in order to keep us safe”, Noem said. “This is a good bill, it’s one that’s time has come”, said Rep. Bennie Thompson of MS, top Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security. That program is already being reviewed by the Homeland Security Department.

Because of the bipartisan support in the House, chances are greater it could be included in the omnibus spending package lawmakers are working to complete before a possible government shutdown on Friday.

Requires new and modernized passport issuances from VWP countries which include biometric information. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), which has not yet been scheduled for a vote. The program started in 1986 and gave a boost for tourism besides tightening the country’s relationship with the closest allies.

“We live in a free and open society”, Republican Representative Candice Miller of MI said.