Mr. Speaker. I rise in opposition to H.R. 158. the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act. I agree that Congress has a responsibility to carefully examine the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and to take appropriate steps to improve the program and ensure our national security. Yet I am concerned that this bill would allow for the arbitrary discrimination of individuals based on their nationality. According to the American Civil Liberties Union. the language contained in H.R. 158 is written so broadly that all nationals of Iraq. Syria. Iran or Sudan would have their VWP revoked. even if they have never resided or traveled to Iraq or Syria and only have nationality for those countries as a result of their parents.
Identified stereotypes
Generalization about nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, or Sudan being security threats.