After Returning From Israel Last Weekend, Senator Rosen Urged Administration Officials To Expedite Israel’s Entry Into The Visa Waiver Program In The Wake of Hamas’s Terrorist Attack
This Will Enable Israelis Who Wish To Travel To The United States To Do So Immediately
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) applauded news that Israel’s entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program will be expedited following Hamas’s terrorist attacks on Israel. After Senator Rosen led a bipartisan push, Israel was admitted into the program last month — which allows individuals from participating countries to travel to the United States for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. However, Israeli citizens were not going to be able to utilize the program until November 30, 2023. After returning from a bipartisan visit to Israel last weekend, Senator Rosen urged Biden Administration officials to expedite Israel’s inclusion into the program.
“After being on the ground in Israel, seeing evidence of Hamas’s brutality, and speaking with families, it was clear that we needed to expedite the process to include Israel in the Visa Waiver Program and get it done as soon as possible,” said Senator Rosen. “I made this clear to the Administration, and I’m glad to see they listened and have announced Israel’s entry into the program, effective today. This is a significant milestone in the U.S.-Israel relationship and will strengthen the bond between our two nations.”
For years, Senator Rosen has been working to include Israel in the Visa Waiver Program, helping to secure Israel’s admittance last month. Following Hamas’s terrorist attacks on Israel, Senator Rosen called for immediate action to support Israel. She recently co-sponsored and helped pass a bipartisan resolution standing with Israel against Hamas terrorism, demonstrating ironclad support for Israel’s security, and committing to provide Israel with the support it needs to defend itself. Last week, Senator Rosen urged the Senate to approve supplemental funding for Israel’s defense and swiftly confirm Jack Lew as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. She also led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the Department of Defense to transfer additional Iron Dome batteries and other unused military assets to Israel.
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