THE REASONS FOR EXPANDING THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

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WHY EXPAND THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM:

VWP increases international visitation to the United States. Extending the Visa Waiver Program to strong candidates such as Brazil, Poland, Israel, Croatia and other select countries would:

Add 1 million additional visitors to the United States;

Add nearly $10 billion to the U.S. economy; and

Support nearly 60,000 additional American jobs.

Expansion will help local communities. Inbound international travel to the United States is America’s number one service export. Overseas visitors — i.e., international visitors other than those from our next-door neighbors Canada and Mexico — spend an average of nearly $4,500 per trip and generate tax revenue in communities across America without burdening local services, such as public schools and fire departments.

Expansion will support American jobs and economic growth.
International visitors:

Support 1.2 million American jobs, and

Add $180.7 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

Expansion will enhance U.S. security. Visa-free travelers to the United States are pre-screened and pre-approved for entry, resulting in enhanced border security and a more secure customs and entry process.

Expansion does not increase risk of overstay. The overwhelming majority of visa applicants from Brazil and other countries under consideration for Visa Waiver eligibility abide by the terms of their visas, and there is no reason to believe that VWP expansion would change that.

VWP is working. Expanding the program would increase its benefits. Visitors from 38 countries currently enjoy secure, visa-free entry into the United States. Updating the VWP eligibility requirements to allow visa-free entry for more travelers from countries closely allied to the United States, including Poland, Israel and Brazil, would boost U.S. economic growth and job creation.*1 













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1. See U.S. Travel Association Global Entry available at https://www.ustravel.org/government-affairs/international-policy-issues; Electronic System for Travel Authorization available at http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta