Expansion of Visa Waiver to Greece Could Lead to More Illegal Immigration

author Published by Chris Chmielenski

President Barack Obama announced yesterday that Greece would join more than 30 other nations that make up the Visa Waiver program – a program that allows citizens of the country to visit the United States for less than 90 days without a visa. Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Lamar Smith, however, believes expanding the program to Greece will increase illegal immigration and threaten national security.

“The Obama administration’s decision to expand the Visa Waiver program is another blow to our national security,” Rep. Smith (R-Texas) said.

“It makes no sense to expand the Visa Waiver program until the exit portion of U.S.-VISIT is fully implemented. Without an exit tracking system, visitors to the U.S. can stay here indefinitely and undetected. This leads to more illegal immigration and weakens our national security. September 11 conspirator Zacarious Moussaoui, ‘Shoebomber’ Richard Reid, and 1993 World Trade Center conspirator Ahmed Ajaj all entered or attempted to enter the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program.

US-VISIT is a biometric entry/exit system with the goal of tracking individuals who pose a threat to the United States. The system has received funding from Congress and was mandated in 2007, but it’s still not close to being fully functional. Pres. Obama’s budget proposal for FY2011 will begin phasing out funding for US-VISIT.

“Unfortunately, the Obama administration has already demonstrated that it has no intention of implementing an exit system since the FY 2011 budget request includes no funding for the US-VISIT exit program,” Rep. Smith said. “Without the exit portion of the U.S.-VISIT, there is no way to tell whether people who entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver program actually left the country.”

“Without a fully-implemented exit program, the VWP facilitates illegal immigration. An estimated 40 percent of illegal immigrants came to the U.S. under the VWP or with temporary visas and simply overstayed their period of lawful admission.”

Take Action

Your voice counts! Let your Member of Congress know where you stand on immigration issues through the Action Board. Not a NumbersUSA member? Sign up here to get started.

Action Board

Donate Today!

NumbersUSA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that relies on your donations to works toward sensible immigration policies. NumbersUSA Education & Research Foundation is recognized by America's Best Charities as one of the top 3% of well-run charities.

Donate

Immigration Grade Cards

NumbersUSA provides the only comprehensive immigration grade cards. See how your member of Congress’ rates and find grades going back to the 104th Congress (1995-97).

Read More