Four congressmen have introduced legislation to change the
Visa Waiver Program's name to the Secure Travel Partnership.
The Visa Waiver Program allows travelers from participating
countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days after undergoing a
Department of Homeland Security approval process.
The lawmakers say Secure Travel Partnership "more
accurately reflects the mission and security of the program."
The trade group U.S. Travel Association had been pushing for
a name change, saying the Visa Waiver Program name is misleading. U.S. Travel
executive vice president of public affairs Tori Barnes said it isn’t "indicative
of the traveler vetting and other security enhancements that the VWP actually
provides."
Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.),
Tom Rice (R-S.C.) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) authored the bill.
"Recognizing the program in a way that accurately
reflects its role in securing our borders, enhancing intelligence sharing, and
spreading U.S. security standards around the world will enable its continued
success," said Quigley.
Rice said the new name "more accurately reflects the
program's intent to strengthen national security and spur tourism to the United
States."