PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact:
Cathy Keefe
202.408.2183
ckeefe@tia.org, www.tia.org

June 6 , 2007

TRAVEL INDUSTRY APPLAUDS SENATORS OFFERING AMENDMENTS TO REFORM U.S. VISA AND ENTRY PROCEDURES

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. travel industry leaders today applauded a group of bi-partisan Senators offering amendments to the immigration bill that would reform the current system for issuing U.S. visitor visas abroad and the process for screening arriving international travelers.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Assistant Majority Leader Richard Durbin (D-IL), Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) were recognized for their support and initiative in introducing the amendments, which support welcoming more legitimate international visitors to the U.S. 

“These amendments are non-controversial and intended to enhance security while increasing the efficiency and the welcome for international travelers applying for visas and arriving in the United States,” said Roger Dow, President and CEO of the Travel Industry Association (TIA).  “We can shorten visa waits and inspection lines and improve this nation’s security at the same time.  Enhanced homeland security and more international travelers are not mutually exclusive,” said Dow.

“We cannot thank these Senators enough for stepping up and demonstrating their leadership and support not only for the travel industry, but for growing the overall economy and enhancing our nation’s standing in the world,” said Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels and Chairman of the Travel Business Roundtable (TBR).  “By improving the visa and entry process, we can welcome millions more visitors from abroad and better promote our economic, diplomatic and political interests as a nation.” 

The amendments introduced would:

• Authorize the State Department to explore visa interviews by videoconference where appropriate;
• Authorize the State Department to explore mobile visa operations where appropriate and secure;
• Require a report from the State Department on resources and flexibility needed to meet the 30-day standard for visa interview wait times;
• Authorize a “Model Ports” program at the nation’s top 20 international arrival airports;
• Authorize 200 more Customs and Border Protection officers at these top 20 airports; and
• Authorize the creation of an international registered traveler program to expedite the secure screening of arriving travelers.

TIA, TBR and the U.S. travel industry support a comprehensive approach to immigration reform that enhances border security while at the same time creating a workable guest worker program that meets the practical labor needs of this nation.

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