Speech #1050119731

In my district. from Worcester to Fall Itlver. we have strong Portuguese Anmrican ani Greek American commuitlies. Members of ihese communities should be able t.o welcome visitors from their countries of origin. whet.tir for business or travel. without burdensome administrative delays. During times of celebration or crisis. families should not have to face the uncertainty of the visa process. IParticipation In tile visa waiver program Is based on annual refusal rates of visa appllicatlonTs. .or the past 2 years. ILh refusal rates for Creece and Portugal have declined considerably and will meet the proposed 3 percent level. INS reports44 also Indicate no documented Increase In Illegal Immigration from these countries since 1996. and additional safeguards Lo prevent. abuse will be enforced If this bill Is adopted today. Mr. Chairman.