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-- <May 16,
2003> Congresswoman Bordallo Urges FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 16, 2003 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Bordallo today joined seven of her colleagues in sending a letter to President Bush urging him to examine Philippine immigration issues when he meets with Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo next week. The letter specifically asks for the two to discuss the feasibility of adding the Philippines to the list of countries that currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program. “Many of our constituents have found the process associated with obtaining non-immigrant visas, which allow their relatives abroad to visit them in the United States, to be burdensome and time consuming,” remarked the Congresswoman. “While we understand the need to ensure our nation’s security, we feel that there is more that can be done to streamline the process and be more responsive to visitors from the Philippines.” The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, including Japan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. “The Philippines is an important ally of the United States in Southeast Asia and a reliable partner in the war on terrorism,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “Furthermore, Filipino-Americans have contributed immensely to our nation, and we share their concerns regarding immigration and visa processes for their relatives and friends in the Philippines.” ###
Contact: Neil Weare
in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin
Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272. |
