Houston Immigration Attorney Supports Expanding Visa Waiver Program
Mar 8, 2012
Houston, TX (Law Firm Newswire) March 7, 2012 – Houston immigration attorney Annie Banerjee supports expanding the Visa Waiver Program that would allow nationals from more countries to visit the United States for business or vacation without the hassle of getting a visa from an American consulate.
“I would love to see the program expanded to include more countries,” said Banerjee.
There are 36 countries participating in the program. Nationals from those countries can come to the United States on business trips or vacation for as long as 90 days without obtaining a visa from the U.S. State Department’s consular offices. The program was designed to help boost the economy through travel and to free up consular resources in countries that need a more strict visa application process.
“Obtaining a visa can be a complicated and drawn-out procedure,” Banerjee said. “If we can eliminate that hurdle for more people, then it would be a great thing not just for the tourism industry, but for companies here in the United States that do business internationally.”
Taiwan may be added to the State Department’s list of participating countries sometime later this year, according to the American Institute in Taiwan.
To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, countries must have a reciprocal program with the United States, machine-readable passports, an open dialog with the State Department about potential threats, and a low refusal rate among nonimmigrants.
“The Visa Waiver Program is an important tool for the State Department to bring foreign nationals to the United States for business or leisure,” Banerjee said.
Other countries considered to be in line for the program include Poland, Israel, Brazil and Argentina.
Annie Banerjee is a Houston immigration lawyer specializing in helping people become United States citizens. The law offices assist in visas and other legal immigration requirements as well. To learn more, visit http://www.visatous.com.
Law Offices of Annie Banerjee
131 Brooks Street, Suite #300
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Phone: (281) 242-9139
