Recently, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State announced the designation of Israel into the Visa Waiver Program. In its most basic form, this is a federal program that allows nationals of specific countries to travel to this country for a specific timeframe without a visa. Read on to discover more about this new designation of Israel and how a seasoned waivers of inadmissibility attorney in Wisconsin, at the Sesini Law Group, S.C., can help you understand its impact.
What is there to know about the designation of Israel in the Visa Waiver Program?
Without further ado, below are a few highlights that come with the designation of Israel in the Visa Waiver Program:
- The Electronic System for Travel Authorization will be updated to allow citizens and nationals of Israel to apply to travel to the United States (by November 30, 2023).
- Citizens and nationals of Israel may travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa.
- Citizens of the United States may request entry to Israel for business, tourism, or transit for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa.
In the past, citizens and nationals of Israel would have to first obtain a United States visa for reasons surrounding security, economics, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Now, with this announcement, the Secretary of Homeland Security was quoted saying, “…This designation, which represents over a decade of work and coordination between the United States and Israel, will enhance our two nations’ collaboration on counterterrorism, law enforcement, and our other common priorities. Israel’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program, and the stringent requirements it entails, will make both of our nations more secure.”
In regard to United States citizens traveling to Israel, the Security of State commented, “…This important achievement will enhance freedom of movement for U.S. citizens, including those living in the Palestinian Territories or traveling to and from them.”
What does this update mean for me?
If you are a citizen or national of Israel who is seeking a United States visa, then you may apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization starting on November 30, 2023, or sooner. With this, you may be authorized to reside in the United States for generally two years.
Or, if you are a citizen of Israel who already has a valid B-1 or B-2 visa, then you may continue to use it for business or tourism to the United States as normal.
At the end of the day, when it comes to your visa waiver application, you need a competent removal and deportation defense lawyer in Milwaukee, WI by your side. This is why you must contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. today.