Trump and the politics about Visa Waiver Program

In an executive order signed in the 27th of January, president of the United States Donald Trump instructed the State Department to immediately suspend the US’s Visa Interview Waiver Program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that the order included the immediate suspension of the program, that means that frequent visitors to the United States need to pass in-person interviews with a U.S. consular officer in the order to renew their travel visa.

It should be noted that there are two parts to the Visa Waiver Program: one for tourists, and one for people with existing visas. The second part will be affected, who before could previously have the opportunity to be excused from the interview when they apply for another visa of the same type.

In the short term, this action can make inconvenience many frequent visitors to the US (and even dissuade them from visiting) by forcing them to have a face-to-face interview with a US consular officer every time their visa expires rather than simply dropping off their passport at a consulate. To ensure that the suspension does not increase processing times there is a directive to hire more consular workers.

But the action is NOT expected to have any effect on the Visa Waiver Program and the Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA), which in its turn allows nationals of 38 countries to enter the US without obtaining a visa.

The Department of Homeland Security said that it would announce any changes affecting travelers to the US as soon as possible.If you need additional information, please feel free to contact us.