Bill > HR490

This bill, the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act, aims to strengthen the security and oversight of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Key provisions include granting the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) the authority to designate any country as a VWP participant, provided it meets specific criteria. The bill adjusts the requirements for countries to join and remain in the VWP by introducing a new "overstay rate" of no more than 3%, meaning a country's citizens should not remain in the U.S. unlawfully beyond their authorized stay at a rate higher than 3%. It also revises the processes for placing countries on probation and terminating their participation if they fail to meet program requirements, and mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security report to Congress on the security risks associated with individuals entering the U.S. without an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) verification and any necessary improvements to minimize such entries.