Citing "possible economic ramifications," the U.S. Travel Association and 19 other hospitality and retail trade groups are voicing concern over Executive Order 13802, signed into law by President Trump on June 21, 2017.
The order amends the previously issued Executive Order 13597 (Establishing Visa and Foreign Visitor Processing Goals and the Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness), which was signed into law by President Obama in January 2012.
At issue is the removal of language that mandates the Department of State "ensure that 80 percent of nonimmigrant visa applicants are interviewed within three weeks of submitting a visa application."
"We are concerned that the removal of this provision will negatively impact consular affairs operations and the timely processing of visas for prospective travelers," said the letter penned by the hospitality trade groups.
"We strongly support thorough efforts to ensure international visitors are not entering the U.S. with the intent to overstay their visas or to commit acts of terrorism or other crimes. We also support a world class and efficient visa process that effectively and securely manages the millions of visa applications submitted each year. After years of needless visa backlogs, the State Department has made great progress, reducing inefficiencies to decrease wait times to manageable levels."
According to U.S. Travel research, the American travel industry generated $2.3 billion in economic output, supporting 15.3 million jobs and $248.2 billion in wages. Approximately 2.7 percent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) is attributed to travel and tourism, with 1 out of 9 jobs depending on the travel and tourism industry.
Some of this revenue could be in jeopardy if visa processing slows down.
The letter urged the president to modify the implementation plan to include "a strong statement that it is the desire of the U.S. government to maintain efficient and timely visa processing for legitimate travelers, and that timely and effective visa processing remains a cornerstone of the Department of State's consular affairs operations."
The trade groups are also encouraging the White House to work with the State Department, the Office of Management and Budget and Congress to make sure consular offices are adequately staffed to handle current and future visa application protocols.
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"Furthermore, with the State Department's focus on increased scrutiny of visa applicants, the Administration should consider lifting any hiring freeze policies at the Department of State," said the letter. "Trained personnel are necessary to review visa applications, and ensure that potential visitors do not pose a threat to national security. The State Department's revenue from visa fees covers the costs associated with employing U.S. consular officers. The State Department should have minimal budgetary concerns regarding hiring new officers to meet likely workload increases."
The letter was penned by the U.S. Travel Association as well as the American Bus Association; American Gaming Association; American Hotel & Lodging Association; American Society of Association Executives; American Society of Travel Agents; Business Travel Coalition; Events Industry Council; International Association of Exhibitions and Events; International Franchise Association; International Inbound Travel Association; Meetings Professionals International (MPI); National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers; National Retail Federation; National Tour Association; Professional Convention Management Association; Society of Independent Show Organizers; Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA); U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the United States Tour Operators Association.
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