Provision would allow citizens from strong allies like Poland visa-free travel to U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 22, 2013. As a leading advocate for strengthening U.S.-Poland relations, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today applauded the Senate Appropriations Committee’s passage of the 2014 Homeland Security spending bill that includes language modernizing the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to allow citizens of strong allies like Poland visa-free travel to the United States. On Thursday, July 18, by a vote of 21-9, the Committee approved language that mirrors bipartisan, bicameral legislation Senator Kirk introduced with Senator Barbara Mikulski and Representatives Mike Quigley (D-Chicago), Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) and Dan Lipinski (D-Western Springs).
“Poland is one of our closest allies, and it is time we allow Polish citizens visa-free travel, a privilege nearly all of our other close democratic allies have enjoyed for years,” Senator Kirk said. “Illinois has a large and vibrant Polish community, and this will make it easier for their friends and relatives in Poland to visit them here. I hope Congress will soon pass these long-overdue reforms.”
Provisions from the Mikulski-Kirk legislation, the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act, also were included in the bipartisan immigration reform bill the Senate passed on June 27.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries up to 90 days of visa-free travel to the United States. Currently 37 countries are part of the VWP, but outdated requirements exclude Poland, which has allowed U.S. citizens to travel there without a visa since 1991. The Mikulski-Kirk legislation updates the criteria for inclusion, making Poland eligible to participate in the program.
Senator Kirk has long advocated expanding the Visa Waiver Program to include Poland and strengthening U.S.-Polish cooperation on issues such as ballistic missile defense. In January 2012, Senator Kirk and Congressman Quigley traveled to Poland to discuss ways to further enhance the U.S.-Polish partnership, including advancing the VWP legislation. Chicago is home to nearly one million citizens of Polish ancestry, the highest concentration in any city outside of Warsaw.
The Homeland Security appropriations bill will next move to the Senate floor for a vote, which has not yet been scheduled.
Source: kirk.senate.gov
