Congressman Filner Wants Humanitarian Visas Restored!

Congressman Bob Filner recently introduced H.R. 3270, the Visitors Interested in Strengthening America (VISA) Act. The bill would grant humanitarian visa waivers to children and their parents coming across the border for regular medical appointments or for educational or cultural events. The bill would give Port Directors the discretion to issue humanitarian visa waivers to Mexican children making brief, pre-scheduled visits to the United States for medical, educational or recreational purposes.

This legislation would not affect the number of legal or illegal immigrants living in the United States-the children and accompanying adults visit for one day and then return to their homes.  It gives Port Directors the authority to use their discretion and issue waivers to children that pose no security threat to our country.
"Turning away school field trips and kids with doctors' appointments does not give us the secure and efficient border we need," said Congressman Filner. "Port Directors have the experience and discretion necessary to make these judgments, and we should not restrict their ability to do their jobs."
Since September 11, Port Directors have stopped issuing these visa waivers.  As a result, children have been blocked from receiving specialized medical attention, participating in educational exchanges between border schools and taking field trips to tourist sites across the border.