| Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 13, 2004 Question Taken at Briefing of May 13, 2004 Participation of Belgium in the Visa Waiver ProgramQuestion: Will Belgium be removed from the Visa Waiver Program?
Answer: The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to review periodically the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program was formerly administered by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of State. As of March 1, 2003, the Program is administered by the Secretary of Homeland Security in consultation with the Secretary of State. Before the Program moved to the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice completed a review of Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Uruguay and made determinations as to the continued participation of these countries in the Program.
The Department of Justice determined that Belgium would be allowed to continue participating in the Visa Waiver Program on a provisional basis for one year, with another evaluation to be conducted at that time to determine whether Belgium’s continued participation in the Program is in the law enforcement and security interests of the United States.
We refer you to the Department of Homeland Security regarding its review of Belgium, among other countries. |
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