CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Eric Wohlschlegel
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

Thursday, July 10, 2003

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce urged the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the administration to ensure that changes in procedures for American visas do not hurt the U.S. economy by interfering with the free movement of legitimate travelers.

 

“America’s trade, diplomatic, cultural and academic relationships with the rest of the world depend on the ability of people to travel to the United States,” said Randel K. Johnson, Chamber vice president of labor, immigration and employee benefits, in testimony today before the House Government Reform Committee.  “While the Chamber fully supports efforts to improve our nation’s security, we must not shut down our travel pipeline which brings in $70 billion a year to our economy.”

 

Businesses engaged in international exports depend on the ability of foreign customers to enter the United States to cement business agreements, according to the Chamber.  U.S. medical facilities, colleges and universities and cultural institutions also depend on the contributions of international professionals.

 

Recent increases in security clearances of foreign visa applications have created backlogs and delays for travelers from many countries with which the U.S. has significant business relations, and has significantly impacted businesses competing in international markets.  At many U.S. consulates, personnel, technology and facilities are unable to complete additional checks in a timely manner without additional resources.

 

“The changes to the visa system over the last year have strained many of our business and international relationships, and have created problems and costs for our economy,” said Johnson.  “We must search for solutions and provide more resources to handle the added screening procedures of our international visitors.”

 

The Chamber congratulated Chairman Thomas Davis III (R-VA) and the House Government Reform Committee for holding an important hearing on the impact of new visa rules on the business community.

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

 

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