Having to navigate through such a complex set of rules and regulations is an unnecessary disincentive to foreign tourists looking to retire in the United States. My legislation would help remedy this. The proposed visa would be available to citizens from those countries participating in the VWPP. as well as Canada. This diverse group Includes countries such as Japan. Spain. and Germany. Applicants would have to be at least 55 years of age. own a residence in the United States. maintain health coverage. and receive income at least twice the Federal poverty level. The applicant would also be required to maintain a residence in his or her country of citizenship. Perhaps the most attractive feature is that the visa would be valid for up to 4 years. alleviating the burdensome expense of frequent travel. It would be renewable as long as the application was filed from the retirees country of citizenship. Mr. Speaker. it s Important to clarify that the proposed visa would only be available to nonimmigrants. and would not provide work authorization or eligibility for any Federal meanstested programs. In its simplest terms. the visa