Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-1) is leading a Dear Colleague letter to officials in the Biden Administration (Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas) outlining his concerns for Israel’s eligibility for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). 

To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, participating countries must provide reciprocal treatment for US citizens, a criteria which Israel currently fails to meet.

This letter outlines three critical areas of concern, including:

1. Full reciprocity for American citizens traveling to and from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
2. Full access to Israel and the OPT for all Americans, without restrictions.
3. Guaranteed freedom of expression for Americans advocating for Palestinian human rights

According to the State Department:

“Some U.S. citizens of Arab or Muslim heritage (including Palestinian-Americans) have experienced significant difficulties and unequal and occasionally hostile treatment at Israel’s borders and checkpoints. U.S. citizens who have traveled to Muslim countries or who are of Arab, Middle Eastern, or Muslim origin may face additional questioning by immigration and border authorities.” 

As this type of mistreatment goes against the requirements of reciprocity, it is clear Israel’s border policies upon entry and exit fail to meet the standards of reciprocity as required by the VWP.

You can help by urging your representatives to sign onto this important Dear Colleague letter which works to reinforce our nation’s commitment to uphold the principles of reciprocity, equality, and freedom of expression.