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Governor Camacho’s Testimony Calls for More Time to Implement Visa Waiver Program

May 20, 2009

(Washington, D.C.) Governor Felix P. Camacho today testified before the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, relative to the implementation of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as authorized by Public Law 110-229.

His testimony addressed the implementation of the VWP in which he recommends the current 180 day delay be extended. He says the extension will allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) time to complete its task and provide the road map to achieve security and visa processing objectives.

“We recognize the major hurdles that DHS will have to address in standing up the VWP that would allow inclusion of currently excluded countries while safeguarding our national security,” said Governor Camacho.

Governor Camacho further stated the economic benefit of expanding Guam’s current tourism market to include China, which could potentially bring 160,000 Chinese tourists to Guam.

“The potential for Guam to establish direct air service and to attract 160,000 or more Chinese tourists each year is an opportunity too compelling to be denied,” said Governor Camacho. “Of the three major outbound markets in East Asia, only China continues to grow in the midst of global recession.”

Should the extension be granted, Governor Camacho said it remains imperative that Guam’s needs regarding the delinkage of the H-2 cap, and the inclusion of Hong Kong in the current VWP, continue to be addressed.

Ckick here for the Governor's testimony. (pdf format)

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