We must also improve informationsharing with our VWP partner countries to be able to know whether a traveler might present a threat to the U.S. In addition. before admitting new countries to the VWP. DHS must consider other security factors. such as the countrys passport standards. airport security. whether the country has an effective air marshal program. and whether its nationals have a history of compliance with our immigration and other laws. My bill maintains the requirement that the nationals of a VWP country demonstrate they will comply with our immigration laws. Some who advocate expanding the Visa Waiver Program say that preventing terrorism should be our only concern and that we should not consider whether a countrys nationals have a history of immigration violations or visa overstays. While preventing terrorist travel is our primary security concern. it is not our only security concern. As we have seen in recent worksite enforcement actions. persons living and working in the U.S. illegally can also present security risks to our citizens and our economy. such as engaging in identity theft. or they can be exploited by criminal or terrorist elements. Robust border security. where we have control of who enters and leaves our country and know they are here for legitimate purposes. must be central to any expansion of the VWP. To that end. I am pleased to offer an approach to accomplishing this goalthe Secure Visa Waiver Travel Act of 2007.
Identified stereotypes
Nationals of VWP countries are presented as potential security risks and likely to violate immigration laws.