This move is part of a broader effort to ultimately extend visa waiver privileges to Poland, a country that has proven its steadfast dedication to the cause of freedom and friendship with the United States. Extending the VWP will allow for further time for development and implementation of safe and secure exit plan strategies so that the VWP can be a established as a permanent program.
“Poland is not only an indispensable ally abroad, but an important part of my own community in Illinois’ 5th District,” said Cong. Quigley. “Including Poland in the Visa Waiver Program would have positive security, economic, and bilateral effects, though we recognize that there are many obstacles to achieving that.
In the meantime, we didn’t want to see a practical stopgap expire and leave us with nothing. Rather than adhere to an all-or-nothing approach, I hope this legislation will allow us to spend time working on the Visa Waiver Program, as well as continuing to develop sophisticated exit-plan technology.”
The Visa Waiver Program was modified following final passage of H.R. 1, a Bill Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The bill included a provision that allows citizens of specific countries, with approval by the Secretary of Homeland Security, to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa. While many European countries are currently eligible, Poland was not included in the program due to a high visa application rejection rate. Poland’s rejection rate has fallen drastically since that time, propelling them further towards ultimate inclusion.
As one of his first acts in Congress this May, Quigley called on President Obama personally to include Poland in the VWP, citing that the move has gained wide-spread, bipartisan support in prior Congresses. The following month, Quigley spoke on the House floor to urge his colleagues to support Poland and Polish-Americans everywhere. Cong. Quigley is also a member of the Polish Congressional Caucus
“There are thousands of Polish-Americans in my district alone who would benefit by making it easier to have a loved one visit them,
not to mention the local businesses that would benefit from tourism dollars. We owe it to a country that has stood by us, and to the people who would like to visit the United States.”
Since 1999, Poland has been a valuable member of the global security community, not only as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but fighting alongside United States forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A member of the European Union since 2004, Poland repealed its own visa requirement in 1991 which allows Americans to travel to Poland without the use of a visa.
Several colleagues, including Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL-04) and Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-03), have joined Quigley as original co-sponsors of the bill. More widespread support is expected as the legislation progresses.
FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MIKE QUIGLEY
Illinois’ 5th Congressional District
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Congressman Quigley Speaks on House Floor in Support of Poland
WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Mike Quigley delivered the following statement to the House of Representatives in support of Poland:
“Madame Speaker, Poland has proven to be an indispensable ally in the global campaign against terrorism.
Poland demonstrated its commitment to global security by becoming a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and has been a staunch ally to the United States during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Poland has been a valuable Member State of the European Union, joining several other Member States, like France and Germany, that take advantage of the visa waiver program.
Poland unilaterally repealed the visa requirement for United States citizens traveling to Poland.
I strongly believe the United States should extend the Visa Waiver Program, with its enhanced program security requirements, and extend visa-free privileges to Poland – a country that has proven its steadfast dedication to the cause of freedom and friendship with the United States.
Poland has done much for the United States. Now is our time to repay this great country.”
FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MIKE QUIGLEY
Illinois’ 5th Congressional District
May 29, 2009
Rep. Quigley calls for President Obama to include Poland in Visa Waiver Program
Modernization of program would make travel from Poland easier, improve relations
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) called on President Barack Obama to support a critical ally in Europe and Polish- Americans everywhere by including Poland in the Visa Waiver Program. The inclusion of Poland into the Visa Waiver Program has gained wide-spread, bipartisan support in prior Congresses. In 2007, President Bush called on Congress to expand the program to include countries such as Poland as well.
“Poland has proven to be an indispensable ally in the global campaign against terrorism.” said Rep. Quigley. “Including Poland in the Visa Waiver Program will have positive security, economic, and bilateral effects. In addition, there are thousands of Polish-Americans in my district alone who would benefit by making it easier to have a loved one visit them, not to mention the local businesses that would benefit from tourism dollars. We owe it to a country that has stood by us, and to the people who would like to visit the United States.”
Since 1999, Poland has been a valuable member of the global security community, not only as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but fighting along side United States forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A member of the European Union since 2004, Poland repealed its own visa requirement in 1991 which allows Americans to travel to Poland without the use of a visa.