The US General Accounting Office this week issued a report evaluating the impact of a potential elimination of the Visa Waiver program. Created in 1986, the Visa Waiver Program grants citizens of designated countries the privilege of traveling to the United States without a visa for tourism or pleasure. In order to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, countries must meet certain criteria established by the

Departments of Justice and State.  Presently, 28 countries, including Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, participate in the Visa Waiver Program.

Utilizing this program, individuals can travel to the United States without a visa and can remain in the country for a period of 90 days or less. Since the events of September 11, government officials and members of the public have questioned whether such a program is in the best interest of the national security.

Besides the obvious impact on U.S. tourism and foreign relations, the report provides statistics regarding the consequences of having to increase the worldwide resources of the Department of State should consulates have to begin adjudicating visa applications for millions more applicants every year. The GAO estimates that the State Department's initial costs to manage the additional workload would range

between $739 million and $1.28 billion; the recurring cost would be in the $522 million and $810 million range yearly. Additionally, the time to provide adequate personnel and facilities in these locations would extend between 2 and 4 years.

The GAO also states that there are no statistics regarding whether potential terrorists and criminals have utilized this program to be admitted to the United States.  The GAO writes that "anecdotal information" supports the conclusion that such persons have been admitted to the United under both the Visa Waiver Program and with valid

U.S. visas.

To view the entire report, go to: http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0338high.pdf