Speech #900281588

I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker. the purpose of the bill is to facilitate the entry into the United States of nonimmigrant visitors by: First. removing the requirement to have a visa. and * Second. authorizing the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to waive many categories of ineligibilities so as to permit many persons who do not qualify for a U.S. visa to come for a short visit. The bill is limited in scope. It applies only to a certain kind of nonimmigrant visitor. the temporary visitor who wishes to visit the United States for either business or pleasure and remain not more than 90 days. It will apply only to nationals of countries designated. by the Secretary of State. through public notice. to receive this special treatment. either on the basis of reciprocity or foreign policy considerations. Many ineligibility criteria would be waived. those remaining will include: Aliens who are Insane. afflicted with a dangerous and contagious disease. those liable to become a public charge. prior deportees. or those liable to engage in activities prejudicial to the public interest. Persons entering the United States under this legislation would not be able to stay beyond the 90day period. seek employment. or otherwise violate the terms of their entry. Any who do would have a 2year period added to the earliest time when they could apply for any immigrant status. Nothing is changed by the bill with respect to immigration or resident alien status under current law. All the bill seeks to do is make it easier for pleasure or business travelers to come to the United States. The administration supports the bill.