Establishing Visa and Foreign Visitor Processing Goals and the Task Force
Jan 24, 2012
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jan 19, 2012
Published on: Jan 24, 2012
Jan 24, 2012
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jan 19, 2012
Published on: Jan 24, 2012
Summary
Makes it easier for foreign visitors to get visas and travel to the U.S., which helps create jobs and grow the economy while keeping the country safe.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. lost a large share of money from international travelers between 2000 and 2010, which hurt the economy. This order aims to fix this by speeding up visa applications and creating a national plan to attract more visitors.
What does this order do?
Creates a Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness
Establishes a new group to develop a national plan for promoting travel and tourism to the United States.
Sets faster visa processing goals
Directs agencies to ensure that 80% of nonimmigrant visa applicants are interviewed within three weeks of applying.
Increases visa capacity in China and Brazil
Requires a 40% increase in the ability to process nonimmigrant visas in China and Brazil within one year.
Expands easy travel programs
Calls for increasing efforts to grow the Visa Waiver Program and other programs for faster travel, like Global Entry.
Develops a National Travel and Tourism Strategy
Requires the new Task Force to create a national plan with ideas to attract more international visitors, especially from Brazil, China, and India.
Creates a public website for travel data
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make a website with updated numbers on visa processing and visitor entry times to help the travel industry.
Who does this affect?
- International travelers and tourists
- U.S. travel and tourism businesses
- Federal agencies like the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security
What is the real world impact?
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Boosts the U.S. economy
Aims to reverse the decline in the U.S. share of the global tourism market by making it easier for international visitors to come and spend money, which creates American jobs.
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Balances economic needs with security
Tries to make travel easier to help the economy but must do so without weakening the security measures put in place after 2001. Some might worry that faster processing could lead to security risks.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately and sets several deadlines for federal agencies.
Visa Processing Plan
Within 60 days of January 19, 2012, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security must create a plan to speed up visa processing.
National Travel Strategy
Within 90 days of January 19, 2012, the Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness must deliver a national tourism plan to the President.
Progress Report
Within 180 days of January 19, 2012, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security must report on their progress in meeting visa processing goals.