House Votes to Strengthen Visa System for Syrians, Iraqis by Reforming Visa Waiver Program

Press Release

Today, with the support of Congressman David Rouzer, the House of Representatives passed the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R. 158) to close security gaps and strengthen the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by prohibiting individuals who have been to countries of concern as well as countries designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism, such as Syria, Iraq, and Iran, from entering the United States unless they are interviewed by U.S. officials and have obtained a visa.

"At a time when we are encountering increased threats to our homeland, we must ensure that those who are from any one of the thirty-eight countries participating in our Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and who have recently traveled to countries with terrorist hotspots undergo stringent screenings before obtaining a visa," said Rep. David Rouzer. "H.R. 158 takes reasonable and commonsense steps to ensure that the Visa Waiver Program is not used as a loophole for terrorists to exploit and enter our country."

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