TIA Said Proposed Visa Rule Could Hurt Tourism

WASHINGTON, DC— In response to a new proposed rule from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) reports it has urged the agency not to cut vacations short for international visitors. TIA said it is concerned that the rule would deter international travel to the U.S. while doing little to increase U.S. security. Currently, international travelers entering the U.S. with a B-1 Business or B-2 Pleasure visa are granted a minimum six month admission period. The INS’ new rule eliminates the fixed, six-month period and proposes that each of the 7 million international travelers visiting the U.S. on visas be issued an “appropriate” admission period upon their arrival. The visitation period assigned to each traveler as they enter the country could not be appealed. It is the INS’ belief that tailored admission periods reduce the number of international visitors who illegally overstay and remain permanently in the U.S. In reality, the proposed INS may arbitrarily cut short vacations for international travelers, increase already long inspection lines, strain INS inspection and investigation resources, as well as discourage travel to the U.S, said TIA. “How can a traveler plan a visit to the U.S. without knowing how long they will be allowed to stay?” asked William S. Norman, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association of America. “This rule will cause uncertainty and confusion for international travelers coming to our country. If this rule is put into place, international travelers may very well vote with their feet and their wallets and visit other countries.” TIA said that it believes a fixed, minimum admission period is necessary to prevent uncertainty and confusion from deterring travel to the U.S. In its comments, TIA’s proposed alternative is to reduce the current minimum admission period from six to three months (90 days) for B-1 and B-2 visa holders.