Speech #1030232389

I rise in strong support of H.R. 783. the nationality and naturalization amendments of 1994. On September 20. 1994. the House gave its overwhelming support to H.R. 783. which the Senate has amended. This legislation would reauthorize and reform the Visa Waiver Pilot Program while implementing much needed reforms. The Visa Waiver Program enables tourists and business travelers from specified countries to come to the United States without first having to obtain a nonimmigrant visa. Current eligibility standards are overly restrictive and hinge largely on nonimmigrant visa refusal ratesa standard which fails to operate in the best interest of the United States or of the countries which are denied participation. The shortcomings of the eligibility criteria came to my attention in my role as chairman of the Friends of Ireland Committee. The fact that Ireland has been excluded from participation best illustrates the current programs shortcomings. Ireland is one of only three Western European countries excluded from the Visa Waiver Program. even though Ireland has demonstrated exemplary overstay rates and steadily declining refusal rates during the last 3 years. Additionally. while Irish citizens are denied inclusion. citizens from Northern Ireland are able to fully participate in the pilot program. H.R. 783 will incorporate the overstay rate as a factor In determining eligibility for probationary status in the Viz.A Waiver Program.