The United States is considering adding four new countries, including Israel, Romania, Cyprus and Bulgaria, to a program that grants an exemption from a residence permit and allows foreign nationals to travel to the country for up to 90 days.
This was announced tonight (Tuesday to Wednesday) by the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Majoras.
"We have four candidates in line: Israel, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania," said Majorca, emphasizing, "We are very, very focused on the program," which he said would contribute to the United States economically and in terms of security.
Israel's Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations, Gilad Ardan, welcomed the statement by the US Secretary of Homeland Security and said: "The clear statement of the Minister of Homeland Security from Yorkas, who is professionally in charge of the issue and with whom I have met several times to discuss it, is a very significant progress on the way to achieving the goal."
Ambassador Arden and Minister of Majorca,
"We continue to work with all our might so that the citizens of Israel can enter the United States freely and without the need for a visa, as it should be with our closest ally.
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The Reuters news agency reported that after Croatia was added to the visa waiver program in September, an economic impetus worth one hundred million dollars was created for the American economy.
President of the American Tourism Association Roger Dow also stressed the move and said: "Every time you join a country, tourism just explodes."
As of last August, US President Joe Biden announced during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett at the White House that he intends to add the State of Israel to the list. Countries whose citizens will receive an exemption from a U.S. residence permit.
The announcement has quite a few meanings, which mainly affect the tourism and aviation industry.
Until now, Israelis had to issue visas to enter the United States.
The payment for the visa was about $ 150, the wait was long and there were many who were refused and thus basically it was determined that they would not be able to enter the country.