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114th Congress: Visa Waiver Program

3/14/16 AILA Doc. No. 15121633. Admissions & Border

In the aftermath of the 2015 Paris and San Bernardino attacks, the Visa Waiver Program has been heavily scrutinized. AILA urged the government to not act impulsively in response to this violence. Unfortunately, reforms to the Visa Waiver Program that discriminate against nationals of certain countries were included as part of the omnibus appropriations bill for 2016. AILA opposed this measure, which the president signed into law (Public Law 114-113) on December 18, 2015.

In January 2016, the Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016 (S. 2449) was introduced in Congress to remove limitations on the ability of certain dual citizens from participating in the Visa Waiver Program. On February 1, 2016, AILA along with over 60 organizations urged Senate and House member to support this measure.

On February 18, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Libya, Somalia, and Yemen are now added as "countries of concern," limiting Visa Waiver Program travel for certain individuals who have traveled to those countries.

Resources on Changes to the Visa Waiver Program:


114th Congress Attempts to Limit the Visa Waiver Program:


General Opposition to Visa Waiver Program Legislation:


Visa Waiver Program Background Information: