S. 342 would expand visa waiver program to countries on a probationary basis and for other purposes.
Detailed Summary
Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should expand the visa waiver program to nationals of foreign countries that are allies in the war on terrorism.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program to expand the visa waiver program for up to five new countries that are are cooperating with the United States on security and counterterrorism matters.
Requires a country, prior to participation, to conclude a counterterrorism and security information sharing agreement with the United States.
Authorizes: (1) a country to participate for an initial three-year period, with an additional two-year extension; and (2) the Secretary to terminate a country's participation for program noncompliance.
Directs the Secretary to develop and implement procedures to improve the manner of calculating visa overstay rates.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 1/22/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Mr. Kays
Finally! My wife is Hungarian, and would love to visit my place of birth and visit my family whenever we want. Having to visit the consulate every time is a waste of our time! Thank you, lets get it passed!
Bozhilova
Bulgaria should not be included in this program. The political and judiciary system are thoroughly corrupt and in many instances still run by the communists/socialists. This bill's passage will open the door for the "mutri" and the scheming members of the old regime. I dread this bill's passage.
L Barnard
It is about time we pass this bill! There are many ways to control tourist and illegal immigration flow that are less arbitrary and traumatizing than the current tourist visa procedures based on a "sense" that one would like to stay, and as often as not on the mood of the official, or an apparent internal "no" quota. Let´s pass it please!
DHS Officer
100% against this bill. We already have too many overstays from countries with visa requirments. This bill would open the flood gates to illegal immigrants, drug traffickers, human smugglers....etc. Visa waiver abuse ia already rampid with the current list of visa waiver countries.