GOP explodes in anger as feds create Iran carve-out for visas

[Valin]

The Hill:

Julian Hattem

01/21/16

 

Furious Republicans assailed the Obama administration Thursday for making changes to a visa entry program for foreign tourists that they characterized as illegal. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday announced changes to the easy-entry visa waiver program, which allows citizens from 38 countries — including Australia, France and Japan — to enter the United States without a visa.

 

The DHS said its new policy will not prohibit people from the 38 countries from entering the U.S. if they have recently traveled to or are dual citizens of Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria, which are considered hotbeds of terrorism. Instead, those people — who otherwise would have been eligible to participate in the visa waiver program — will have to obtain a visa through the State Department.

 

However, the administration is also creating a carve-out solely for Iran, with visa waivers handed out on “a case-by-case basis” to people who have traveled there for "legitimate business-related purposes" following adoption of the nuclear deal last year. Some journalists, diplomats and aid workers traveling to and from the four countries would also receive waivers, the DHS said. Republicans blasted the announcement, saying President Obama is abusing a minor provision in the law to create a series of loopholes aimed at placating Iran.

 

(Snip)