Amendment Would Tighten Security, Expand Number of Participating Countries
Caleb Tiller , +1 703-684-0836, ext. 138
Courtney Leigh Beisel , +1 703-684-0836, ext. 133
Alexandria, VA (March 1, 2007) – The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) today applauded the passage of the amendment being offered by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to expand the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to consider the addition of more countries. VWP currently allows travelers from 27 nations to travel to the United States for 90 days or less for business or pleasure without undergoing a formal visa interview, enabling the free flow of commerce between the United States and its most important business and trade partners around the world.
This legislation would allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to consider countries for admission to VWP if they meet a set of criteria related to the visa refusal and overstay rates. The bill would also require VWP countries to meet a series of new security measures to maintain their participation in the program.
“The passage of the Feinstein amendment is an excellent example of using technology to tighten our border security while allowing for the free conduct of commerce,” said Bill Connors, NBTA Executive Director & COO. “NBTA has long advocated for the expansion of VWP with appropriate security concerns addressed. This measure will potentially expand the healthy conduct of commerce between our country and its key trading partners.”
The National Business Travel Association is the source for critical information on the business travel industry. For more than 35 years, NBTA has dedicated itself to the professional development of its members through advocacy, education and training, and networking opportunities. NBTA represents over 2,700 corporate and government travel managers and travel service providers, who collectively manage and direct more than $170 billion of expenditures within the business travel industry. For more on NBTA, visit www.nbta.org.
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