Bill Overview
Title: Securing the Visa Waiver Program Act
Description: This bill imposes additional requirements on countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens or nationals of such countries to travel to the United States without a visa. Specifically, a country that is part of the program must (1) share information with the United States about any of its citizens or nationals who are known or suspected to be involved with terrorism, and (2) establish frameworks for enhanced law enforcement cooperation with the United States.
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries
Estimated Size: 0
- The Visa Waiver Program currently encompasses 40 countries whose citizens can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without a visa.
- Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries need to meet certain security and data-sharing requirements to continue to use the program.
- Individuals planning to travel under the Visa Waiver Program will have additional information shared about them, affecting their privacy and possibly the ease of travel.
- Effective implementation of additional security measures may impact the number of people eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program if countries fail to comply.
Reasoning
- The costs covered by the budget span the administrative and technological setup for enhanced data-sharing and law enforcement cooperation.
- The program targets foreign nationals, especially those who may be suspected of terrorism-related activities, to enhance U.S. national security.
- It directly affects international relationships and tourism dynamics as it changes the travel landscape for foreign nationals from specific regions.
- U.S.-based individuals are not primary targets of this policy. However, indirect effects exist as changes in travel or international cooperation may impact domestic socioeconomic factors like business and tourism.
Simulated Interviews
Travel Agency Manager (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think strengthening security measures is crucial, but I worry about the additional hurdles for my clients which could impact their travel experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
University Professor (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The impact on academic collaborations could be significant if travel becomes more complicated for my colleagues overseas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 8 |
Software Developer (Miami, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved security could lead to positive relationships but might delay international meet-ups.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Customs Officer (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's beneficial to enhance security, but it requires significant training and adaptation at the ground level.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Hotel Manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While security's important, any added travel difficulties could harm our international bookings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Recent Graduate (Seattle, WA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm a bit concerned about how the changes might affect my travel plans, but I appreciate the safety measures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My personal travel plans may be affected if processes become cumbersome, although I understand the security need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Film Producer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These measures might make it harder for us to get international talent into the country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cybersecurity Analyst (Denver, CO)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From a security standpoint, this is a solid move. I gauge no impact on my personal life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
International Sales Representative (Dallas, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stricter security checks might delay my work, but if managed well, it can enhance trust in international relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Key Considerations
- Diplomatically navigating enhanced information sharing without violating any privacy laws or international data protection protocols.
- Ensuring the policy does not disproportionately affect tourism-related industries by supporting it with facilitation efforts.
- Mitigation of any reciprocal actions by Visa Waiver countries that may affect U.S. citizens abroad.