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US HR4135

US HR4135
Visa Waiver Program Firearms Clarification Act of 2015


summary

Introduced
11/30/2015
In Committee
01/15/2016
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017

Introduced Session

114th Congress

Bill Summary

Visa Waiver Program Firearms Clarification Act of 2015 The bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the eligibility of certain foreign nationals to purchase and possess firearms in the United States. Current law prohibits firearm sale or transfer to or possession by a foreign national (i.e., alien) who is: (1) unlawfully present in the United States, or (2) lawfully present under a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., tourist visa). The prohibitions do not apply in certain circumstances. This bill expands the prohibition to bar firearm sale or transfer to or possession by a foreign national who was lawfully admitted to the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. The prohibitions do not apply to a foreign national lawfully admitted under the Visa Waiver Program if that foreign national is a government official or law enforcement officer, or possesses a hunting license. Additionally, such foreign national may apply for a Department of Justice waiver to allow firearm possession.

AI Summary

This bill, the Visa Waiver Program Firearms Clarification Act of 2015, amends federal law to prevent foreign nationals who enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program from purchasing or possessing firearms, unless they are government officials, law enforcement officers, possess a hunting license, or obtain a specific waiver from the Department of Justice. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa, and this bill expands existing prohibitions on firearm sales and possession to include these individuals, clarifying that they are considered "nonimmigrants" for the purposes of federal firearms laws.

Committee Categories

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (31)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. (on 01/15/2016)

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