White House unsure plan to waive visas for Israelis will fly, Israel seeking new, unique "Major Stragetic Partner" status!
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- Written by BRADLEY KLAPPER and MATTHEW LEE BRADLEY KLAPPER and MATTHEW LEE
- Published: 17 July 2013 17 July 2013
White House unsure plan to waive visas for Israelis will fly
Some lawmakers and administration officials concerned that Arab-Americans would still be barred from entering Israel
By BRADLEY KLAPPER and MATTHEW LEE
Times of Israel, July 15, 2013
http://www.timesofisrael.com/white-house-unsure-plan-to-waive-visas-for-israelis-will-fly/
WASHINGTON (AP) — Legislation that would let Israelis visit the United States without visas but not demand full reciprocal treatment for all Americans wishing to travel to the Jewish state could put Congress and the Obama administration on a collision course in coming weeks.
Israel’s entry into the 37-nation US Visa Waiver Program is the most controversial element in a pair of broader US-Israel bills dealing with everything from improving cybersecurity to enhancing economic cooperation. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is hoping to get the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s approval before Congress’ August recess. A version by Senator Barbara Boxer is picking up support in the Senate.
Both would create a new category of US ally — “major strategic partner” — designating Israel as the only such nation. And they would call for the inclusion of Israel on a list of countries whose citizens can visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, granted they register electronically before boarding a flight.
The administration and some lawmakers are concerned the legislation doesn’t do enough to eliminate Israeli discrimination against Palestinians and Arab-Americans seeking to enter its borders. They also say Israel still fails to meet other legal requirements for the program.