President Obama signs changes in Visa Waver Program (VWP)

President Obama has signed a law on Friday that pertains to the changes in Visa Waver Program (VWP). The individuals are required to apply for a visa for future travel to the U.S., especially for those who visited Iran as well as Syria, Sudan, and Iraq since March 2011. Though, various arguments are arising since the bill violates the nuclear agreement between the U.S. and Iran.

Elpaso Times reported that there are no exemptions for children or aide workers, for example, serving in these countries or those who traveled to these countries for professional or educational purposes for this new bill. Though according to the CNS News, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) includes an agreement that the U.S. should not "adversely affect the normalization of trade and economic relations with Iran." In response to this, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif Kerry said in the report that he and his team will not be prevented from meeting the commitments in JCPOA, specifically with the implementation of legitimate business interests of Iran.

Further, Stripes said that Araghchi will go to the commission overseeing the implementation of the deal if the law is taken into action. The head of Iran's tourism body, Morteza Rahmani-Movahed, shall also file a complaint to the World Tourism Organization. The report also mentioned that a group of 12 Iranian lawmakers condemned the new legislation and encouraged President Hassan Rouhani to take actions regarding the new bill.

On the other hand, related report stated that prior to any changes to VWP, applicants can remain in the U.S. for ninety days which electronic applications, appointments, fingerprint intake, support documentation, and a consular interview are not necessary. More so, the report said that obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa can add weeks if not months to travel plans. Nevertheless, it seems that these may be subjected to change once the new bill is implemented.

Tags

President Obama, bill, Visa Waver Program (VWP), Syria, Sudan, and Iraq, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Morteza Rahmani-Movahed

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