I recently learned of a story involving a young Czech officer who served in Iraq with Americans. This soldier wanted to come to America to visit the American friends he made during combat operations. But his application for a visa was refused. Why? Because his passport included a visit to Iraq. the very place he served with American soldiers. Many young people from places like Latvia. Estonia. and Bulgaria have a positive view of America and hope to visit our country. However. their expensive visa applications are frequently rejected. dampening their spirits and tainting their image of America. And this view is spreading every day. By limiting legitimate travel to the U.S.. we are risking a loss of influence with the future leaders of our closest allies. I have been working for many months to develop. legislation that will expand the Visa Waiver Program. without sacrificing U.S. security. I was pleased last November when I heard President Bush announce his intention to work with Congress on this issue. On the margins of the NATO Summit in Riga.. he called on Congress to expand the Visa Waiver Program so that we can reward our closest allies for their help and friendship. I agree with the Presidentbut I want to clarify that visafree travel privileges are not simply a reward for our allies. The true reward is the knowledge that we are free and democratic countries working together to advance international security.
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