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By Sanwar Ali:
The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) gives preferential treatment to nationals of certain countries and allows citizens from those countries to travel to the US for tourism or business purposes, without having to apply for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. However, the program has sparked controversy due to allegations of preferential treatment towards Israel. As a result, the question arises: Will Palestinian Americans continue to face discrimination when visiting Israel?
Index
- Understanding the US Visa Waiver Program
- Allegations of Bias towards Israel
- The Experience of Palestinian Americans
- The US Visa Waiver Program and Israel: A Controversial Move
- The Future of the US Visa Waiver Program
Understanding the US Visa Waiver Program
The US Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of 39 countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. These countries include most European nations, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
The program has specific requirements that participant countries must meet, such as a low nonimmigrant visa refusal rate and reciprocal visa-free travel rights for US citizens. Non-immigrant US visas, include the B1 visa for business travelers, the B2 visa for tourists, the L1 visa for intracompany transferees, and the H1B visa for specialized workers.
However, most countries are not included under the visa waiver scheme. Being included under the scheme makes it much easier to gain entry to the US.
Allegations of Bias towards Israel
Israel has long sought to join the US Visa Waiver Program and has spent two decades lobbying the US government for inclusion. The potential benefits for Israel are significant, as it could boost the country’s economy by making tourism and business travel easier.
However, critics argue that Israel is receiving preferential treatment in the admission process, citing allegations of Israel's discriminatory practices against Palestinian Americans as a critical concern.
The Experience of Palestinian Americans
Palestinian Americans often face a complex and challenging journey when they attempt to visit Israel. Rather than flying directly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport, many choose to enter from Jordan via the King Hussein Bridge Border Crossing. This practice is due to the risk of being refused entry by the Israeli authorities and having to return to the US. If you enter via the bridge instead of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport you can return to Jordan instead.
These travelers often face lengthy delays at Israeli passport control, where they are subject to rigorous screening. Furthermore, they may be subject to further discrimination, with the Israeli authorities operating a network of checkpoints.
Conversely, illegal Israeli settlers, regardless of their citizenship, are allowed to reside on occupied land in violation of international law. They enjoy unrestricted movement, highlighting a stark contrast in treatment.
The US Visa Waiver Program and Israel: A Controversial Move
Despite these allegations of discrimination, the Biden administration is considering admitting Israel into the US Visa Waiver Program. This move would allow Israelis to travel to the US without applying for a visa at a US embassy or consulate.
The Visa Waiver Program is intended to be reciprocal, meaning that US citizens should be treated the same way as Israeli citizens when traveling to Israel. However, critics argue that Israel does not meet this reciprocity requirement due to its practices of discrimination against certain US citizens, particularly those of Palestinian descent.
US ambassador to Israel, Tom Nides, is set to oversee a one-month "trial period" during which Israeli authorities are supposed to allow Palestinian Americans to enter Israel and use the Tel Aviv airport. Critics argue that this trial period is merely a formality and that it is unlikely that Israel will fail to meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program.
The Future of the US Visa Waiver Program
16 Democratic Senators in the US have expressed concerns about Israel being admitted to the US Visa Waiver Program, without ending discriminatory practices against all Americans. it could potentially be seen as an endorsement of these practices by the US government.
The US government should ensure that any country wishing to join the Visa Waiver Program complies fully with all federal laws and does not discriminate against any US citizens. If Israel is allowed to join the program without meeting these criteria, it could set a concerning precedent for future admissions to the program.
workpermit.com helps with US Work Visa: L1, H1B, E2, and O1 Visas
There are various types of US visas that individuals can apply for, depending on their circumstances. Some of the most common employment-based visas include:
L1 visa: This visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions or have specialized knowledge.
H1B visa: This visa is for specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields.
E2 visa: This visa is for investors who have made a significant investment in a US business and, management or essential skills employees. Only certain nationalities can apply.
O1 visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
Workpermit.com is a specialist visa services firm with over thirty years of experience dealing with visa applications. For more information and advice, please contact us on 0344 991 9222 or at london@workpermit.com(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)
