[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 525 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 525

Urging the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State to 
  designate Poland as a program country under the visa waiver program 
established under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act if 
Poland satisfies the requirements in subsection (c)(2) of such section.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 11, 2004

 Mrs. Johnson of Connecticut submitted the following resolution; which 
             was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Urging the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State to 
  designate Poland as a program country under the visa waiver program 
established under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act if 
Poland satisfies the requirements in subsection (c)(2) of such section.

Whereas since the founding of the United States, Poland has proven its steadfast 
        dedication to the causes of freedom and friendship with the United 
        States, exemplified by the brave actions of Polish patriots such as 
        Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszko during the American Revolution;
Whereas Polish history provides pioneering examples of constitutional democracy 
        and religious tolerance;
Whereas the United States is home to nearly 9,000,000 people of Polish ancestry;
Whereas Polish immigrants have contributed greatly to the success of industry 
        and agriculture in the United States;
Whereas since the demise of communism, Poland has become a stable, democratic 
        nation;
Whereas Poland has adopted economic policies that promote free markets and rapid 
        economic growth;
Whereas on March 12, 1999, Poland demonstrated its commitment to global security 
        by becoming a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization;
Whereas on May 1, 2004, Poland will become a member State of the European Union;
Whereas Poland was a staunch ally to the United States during Operation Iraqi 
        Freedom;
Whereas Poland has committed 2,300 soldiers to help with ongoing peacekeeping 
        efforts in Iraq;
Whereas the Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of State administer the 
        Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens from 27 countries, including 
        France and Germany, to visit the United States as tourists without 
        visas;
Whereas on April 15, 1991, Poland unilaterally repealed the visa requirement for 
        United States citizens traveling to Poland for 90 days or less; and
Whereas over 100,000 Polish citizens visit the United States each year: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives urges the Secretary of 
Homeland Security and the Secretary of State to designate Poland as a 
program country under the visa waiver program established under section 
217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1187) if Poland 
satisfies the requirements in subsection (c)(2) of such section.
                                 <all>