Plaskett Statement on the Passing of Her Amendment Approving Non-immigrant Visitor Visa Waivers for Entry Into the U.S. Virgin Islands for Up to 45 Days

Press Release

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after her amendment to H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, was accepted 235-190 approving nonimmigrant visitor visa waivers for entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to 45 days:

"This amendment would allow the Department of Homeland Security to consider approving nonimmigrant visitor visa waivers for entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to 45 days (primarily for residents of neighboring Caribbean countries). Such a nonimmigrant visitor visa waiver program is already being utilized successfully in both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for nationals of other countries.

"My amendment would extend this same program to the U.S. Virgin Islands. This limited visa waiver program would better enable the Virgin Islands to compete economically with other islands and nations in the Caribbean community. A nationwide U.S. Visa Waiver Program already allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. This amendment would apply solely to the U.S. Virgin Islands and, because the Virgin Islands is outside the U.S. customs zone, it would not allow entry into any other part of the United States.

"The U.S. Virgin Islands must compete with other Caribbean islands for cruise ships and tourist visitors and for the most competitive tourist attraction. This visa waiver program will lead to increased tourism, greater opportunities to host international events, and more support for our small businesses that have been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on the travel and tourism industry.

"For example, the Virgin Islands annually hosts numerous yacht shows and regattas; however, due to the extensive visa acquirement process currently in place, participation and attendance is significantly lower in comparison to similar events in other Caribbean islands.

"This amendment would remain reasonably limited in scope to the Caribbean community and other countries approved by the Department of Homeland Security. A provision also allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend waivers to any individuals or countries if they pose a risk the law enforcement or security interests of the United States or at the Secretary's own discretion."

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