Visa Waiver Program Is Good for Poland, Great for US

Poland has been a crucial U.S. ally since the collapse of the Iron Curtain. One way for the U.S. to further strengthen that alliance, as well as improve U.S. security and economic vitality is the Visa Waiver Program.

Poland, whose president, Andrzej Duda, met with U.S. President Donald Trump Tuesday, is a prime candidate to be admitted to this program, which currently includes 38 other nations.

Citizens of a Visa Waiver Program country may travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. This benefit is given to countries who participate in intelligence sharing about known or suspected terrorists, serious criminals, and lost and stolen passports, as well as other security measures. As a result, the U.S.’ ability to vet visitors has significantly improved.

Participating countries are also required to have a visa refusal rate of less than 3 percent, although previously the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security was able to allow a refusal rate of up to 10 percent. Visa Waiver Program countries also provide U.S. citizens with the ability to travel to their country without a visa. By increasing travel and tourism, there are also significant economic benefits.

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