Visa Waiver Program Status

09-19-2006 - 05:16 PM In 2005, the United States introduced the Visa Waiver Program Road Map, a guide to prepare countries for VWP participation. The Czech Republic is committed to complying with the Road Map requirements. However, fulfilling all Road Map criteria is no guarantee of VWP inclusion in the foreseeable future.

The first signs that close and strong relations matter to the U.S. Congress are already evident. In May 2006, U.S. Senators Santorum (R-PA), Mikulski (D-MD), and Frist (R-TN) proposed Amendment SA 4000 to the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act allowing additional countries to participate in the VWP if they are providing material support to the United States or the multilateral forces in Afghanistan or Iraq. Although the Czech Republic is participating in both operations, as written, this amendment applies to only one EU country not already in the VWP—Poland. The amendment’s material support quotas eliminate the smaller EU countries also involved in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In June 2006, Representatives English (R-PA), McCotter (R-MI), Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Bordallo (D‑GU), Wexler (D-FL), and Davis (R-VA) proposed bill H.R. 5730 designating six NATO and EU states as participants in the VWP under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This stand-alone bill is not dependent on other legislation, but must pass the Judiciary Committee before going to a full vote. The Czech Republic welcomed both of these acts as initial steps toward VWP participation. Nevertheless, without full congressional backing, neither piece of legislation will lead to entry in the VWP.