Congressman Bishop Strengthens Border Security, Visa Process

Statement

Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) strengthened border security and addressed vulnerabilities in the current Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by co-sponsoring and voting to pass bipartisan H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation prohibits individuals who have been to Syria and Iraq from entering the United States unless they are interviewed by U.S. officials and get a regular visa, even if they are from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. H.R. 158 also updates the requirements for countries to participate in the program, including requiring fraud resistant electronic passports containing certain biographic and biometric information.

"In today's dangerous world, vigilance is essential to our national security," said Congressman Bishop. "H.R. 158 bolsters the screening process for foreign nationals and addresses security vulnerabilities found within the Visa Waiver Program, making our nation more safe and secure."

Source