WASHINGTON, 19 May — According to the Washington-based Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), the proposed visa changes by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) will cut vacations short for international visitors. TIA is concerned the rule will discourage international travel to the US, and do little to increase US security.
International travelers currently traveling to the US with a B-1 Business or B-2 Pleasure visa are granted a minimum six month admission period. The INS’ new rule eliminates the fixed, six-month period and proposes that each of the seven million international travelers visiting the US on visas will be issued an “appropriate” admission period upon their arrival. Travelers will be unable to appeal the visitation period given them as they enter the country. The INS believes that tailored admission periods will reduce the number of international visitors who illegally overstay and remain permanently in the US.
TIA argues the proposed INS rule will arbitrarily cut short vacations for international travelers, increase already long inspection lines,and discourage travel to the US.
“How can a traveler plan a visit to the US without knowing how long they will be allowed to stay?” said William S. Norman, president and CEO of the TIA.“This rule will cause uncertainty and confusion for international travelers coming to our country. If this rule is put into place, international travelers may very well vote with their feet and their wallets and visit other countries.”
