As part of the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of 36 countries can travel to the United States for up to 90 days without having to apply for a visa. Poland has been excluded from the program in spite of being one of the most faithful allies, who has supported America's many world wide initiatives like the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and lately representing America's diplomatic interests in Syria.
On January 31st, 2012, two identical bills called the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act were introduced to the U.S. Congress. They are similar to two other bills (Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2011 – HR 959 and S 497) introduced last year, but have a full backing of Barack Obama's administration.
The Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act, which is expected to open the path for Poland's entry in the Visa Waiver Program, is sponsored by rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill), sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill) and sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD).
The new website DropVisasForPoland.org will allow the users to express their support for the initiative, by signing up to the list of supporters. It will also contain the most up-to-date information regarding the progress on the efforts to include Poland in the Visa Waiver Program, as well as links to other initiatives supporting the same goal.
"Nowy Dziennik" has been serving the Polish-American community living on the East Coast of the U.S. for the past 41 years. It is the largest Polish language daily newspapers produced and published outside of Poland. Its website www.dziennik.com is visited daily by Poles from around the world. In the past, the newspaper supported such important initiatives as the democratic transformation in Poland, and Poland's accession to NATO.
