US Congress promoting visa exemption for Israelis
Californian Democrat Sherman introduces bill allowing Israelis to enter US as temporary visitors for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. 'Israel is our closest friend and democratic ally in the Middle East,' he says
WASHINGTON – US Congressman Brad Sherman (Democrat, California)
, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the Visa Waiver for Israel Act, a bill allowing Israel’s entrance into the US Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals from certain countries to enter the US as temporary visitors for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa from a US consulate abroad.
I’m pleased to join with my colleagues Ted Poe (Republican-Texas), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican-Florida) and eleven additional members of Congress to introduce the Visa Waiver for Israel Act,” said Sherman. “Israel is our closest friend and democratic ally in the Middle East. Adding Israel to the Visa Waiver Program will boost business, tourism, and job creation here in the US and enhance cultural ties between our two nations.”
In the past, a similar proposal to add Israel to the Visa Waiver Program was rejected by the Senate.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7...232526,00.html
The Embassy of Israel released a statement in support of the legislation, saying it would "stimulate numerous business endeavors, and help promote closer cultural, economic, and touristic ties. The passage of this legislation would further strengthen the special and deep relationship between Israel and the United States.”