Visa and Immigration Policy

USA*Engage believes that U.S. visa policy should reflect the benefits to the economy of skilled immigration and the needs of U.S. business for mobility of personnel. The United States should welcome students, visitors and business travelers to remain competitive in global markets. USA*Engage, therefore, supports reform of U.S. restrictions on business travel visas and H-1B visas put in place following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

USA*Engage has played a leading role in holding meetings with U.S. officials to discuss ways to protect national security, while minimizing the red tape and regulations that hinder legitimate travelers who seek to visit the U.S. In 2004, USA*Engage and the NFTC released a groundbreaking study estimating the cost to American companies of our business visa policies. USA*Engage has urged Congress to make national interest-based reforms that include enhanced temporary entry procedures for employees and prospective customers of U.S. companies. USA*Engage has also made recommendations to the U.S. Government on ways to facilitate the issuance of visas and temporary entry procedures, including expansion of the visa waiver program to countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Taiwan and Israel.