 Argentina
no longer part of visa-waiver program
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on February 20th that
Argentina would be officially removed from the Visa Waiver
Program (VWP). The VWP was established in order to allow
nationals from designated countries to enter the United States for
90 days or less as non-immigrant visitors for business or pleasure
without having to obtain a non-immigrant visa from a U.S. consulate
beforehand. In an official statement, the Department of Justice
said, that after consultation with the Department of State, it “has
concluded that Argentina’s participation in the VWP is no
longer compatible with the enforcement of immigration laws of the
United States. The decision follows Argentina’s recent economic
collapse that has led to a 20 percent unemployment rate and economic
uncertainty.” “The Immigration and Naturalization Service has
experienced an increase in the number of Argentine nationals
attempting to use the VWP to enter the U.S. and remain
illegally in the U.S. after their 90-day period of admission
expired,” the statement continued. From now on “Argentine nationals
who intend to travel to the United States for legitimate business or
pleasure are now required to obtain a non-immigrant visa at a U.S.
consulate or embassy prior to their arrival into the U.S.” With
the removal of Argentina, the following 28 countries remain in the
Visa Waiver Program: |
