Rep. Jenkins: House Strengthens Visa Waiver Program

Press Release

U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) voted yes today on legislation to help identify and stop terrorists from entering the United States via the Visa Waiver Program.

Rep. Jenkins is also a cosponsor of H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives 407-19.

"As the president has failed to lead to make our nation secure from the threat of terrorism, Congress must take every action possible to protect our nation and safeguard against those who wish to do us harm. The Visa Waiver Program, as it stands now, has clear loopholes that would allow someone who recently traveled to ISIS territories to come to the United States as a visitor with minimal scrutiny. Americans deserve to know that visitors from other countries have been thoroughly screened, and we must use every resource possible to prevent terrorists from entering our country," Rep. Jenkins said.

Thirty-eight countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which expedites entry into the United States. However, thousands of holders of passports from Visa Waiver Program countries have traveled to Iraq, Syria and other troubled areas to meet up with ISIS and other terrorist groups. Through the Visa Waiver Program, these individuals could travel to the United States with little scrutiny.

The Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act would strengthen our national security by requiring every participating country to have e-passports, lost or stolen passports be reported to Interpol, and people who have traveled to Iraq, Syria or other areas of concern go through the regular, thorough visa screening process.

H.R. 158 is sponsored by Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.). For more about the bill, please click here.

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