[20150313]IN10246_平衡旅游业与恐怖主义：签证豁免计划.pdf

CRS InsightsBalancing Tourism against Terrorism: The Visa Waiver ProgramMichaela D. Platzer, Specialist in Industrial Organization and Business (mplatzercrs.loc.gov, 7-5037)Alison Siskin, Specialist in Immigration Policy (asiskincrs.loc.gov, 7-0260)March 13, 2015 (IN10246)In recent months, Congress has expressed concern that some foreign fighters might exploit the VisaWaiver Program (VWP) to enter the United States and commit acts of terrorism. The VWP allowseligible visitors from 38 European nations and a few prosperous Asia-Pacific countries (Figure 1) toenter the United States for short business or leisure stays without first obtaining a visa from a U.S.consulate abroad. Recent attacks by domestic terrorists in Europe and reports of European countriescitizens fighting with armed groups in the Middle East have raised concerns that potential terroristscould travel to the United States with little scrutiny under the VWP.Balancing national security interests against efforts to facilitate international travel through the VWPpresents challenges to legislators. The United States has a large travel and tourism industry. In 2013,travel and tourism accounted for 2.6% of U.S. gross domesti