ICYMI: House Approves Legislation Requiring Visas for Anyone Who’s Been to Iraq or Syria in the Previous 5 Years

Earlier today, the House has approved legislation tightening controls on travel to the U.S. and requiring visas for anyone who’s been in Iraq or Syria in the previous five years.

What does this legislation address?
The legislation takes aim at the “visa waiver” program that allows citizens of 38 countries to travel to the U.S. for stays of 90 days and less without first obtaining a visa from an embassy or consulate.

The bill would include a new visa requirement for citizens of Iraq, Syria and any other country deemed a terrorist hotspot, along with anyone who’s traveled to those countries in the previous five years.

What about military or official government travel?
Exceptions are made for official government visits and military service.

How will this affect the visa waiver program?
Another provision in the bill will require countries in the visa waiver program would also be required to share counter-terror information with the U.S. or face expulsion from the program.

Read more here.