Title: A bill to designate Poland as a program country under the visa waiver program established under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Santorum, Rick [R-PA] (introduced 2/10/2005)
Committees: Senate Judiciary Latest Major Action: 2/10/2005 Referred to Senate committee.
Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

 
 
OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED: A bill to designate Poland as a program country under the visa waiver program established under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes. 2/10/2005: Introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1277-1278) 		 
 


By Mr. SANTORUM (for himself and Ms. MIKULSKI): S. 348. A bill to designate Poland as a program country under the visa waiver program established under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce, along with Senator Mikulski, a bill that would designate Poland as a program country under the Visa Waiver Program under section 217 of the Immigration Nationality Act. As we celebrate an historic period with the first Iraqi elections in over fifty years, it is important to appreciate the sacrifices our allies have made to make such an event possible. America must continue to solidify the bond with its allies by assisting their governments and citizens when possible. This legislation brings us closer to a country that has been by our side through a time of war and continues to be a partner in the global freedom. Since the founding of the United States, Poland has proven its steadfast dedication to the causes of freedom and friendship with the United States.
This has been exemplified by the brave actions of Polish patriots such as Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszco during the American Revolution. Polish history provides pioneering examples of democracy and religious tolerance, and this is reflected in their constitution that states, ``Freedom of faith and religion shall be ensured to everyone.'' Poland's revolt from the Soviet Union's communist stranglehold is a more recent example of their dedication to freedom. They are a prime example of Ronald Reagan's vision to end the Cold War. Last year, when I met Lech Walesa, the tenacious leader of Poland's Solidarity movement and former President of Poland, I was reminded of the profound struggle the country endured to bring democracy to their people. And their commitment to preserving freedom and
global security continues today. On March 12, 1999, Poland became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This was followed by admission into the European Union on May 1, 2004.
Poland was a staunch ally to the United States in Operation Iraqi Freedom and has committed 2,300 troops to help with the ongoing peace efforts in Iraq. In addition to Poland's efforts as a global ally, its people have contributed greatly within our borders. Nearly nine million people of Polish ancestry live in the United States. Polish immigrants have played an integral role in the success of industry and agriculture in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. Currently, the United States administers the Visa Waiver Program to citizens of twenty-seven countries. The program allows citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries to visit the United States as tourists, and Poland has earned the right to participate. I believe Poland deserves to be the twenty-eighth country to participate in the program. The 100,000 Polish citizens who visit the United States annually must currently pay a $100 fee to apply for a visa. Many of these applicants are visiting family, often for wedding celebrations or funerals. In an expression of good faith, in 1991 the Polish government unilaterally repealed the visa requirement for U.S. citizens traveling to Poland for less than 90 days. I am aware of past concerns about Polish visa refusal rates, but a closer look shows that refusal rates can be an inaccurate measure because they are based on decisions made by a very short interview process rather than the actual behavior of non-immigrants. Often, refusal rates do not reflect the propensity of nationals from that country to overstay their visas. More importantly, Poland's refusal rate does not reflect a high propensity for terrorism. The State Department has given no indication that the potential for terrorism in Poland significantly exceeds that of the 27 countries currently participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Please be assured that I am sensitive to arguments that have concerns about our national security at the core. However, our past history with Polish citizens visiting the United States does not favor this argument. For all Polish citizens and Polish Americans, I ask through this legislation that Poland be deemed a designated program country for the purposes of the Visa Waiver Program. I ask my colleagues for their support.