Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) a member of the Congressional Poland Caucus joined members of the WNY Polish American Congress, leaders from the Polish Saturday School, Stanley Pulaski, a direct decedent of Gen. Casimir Pulaski and other Western New York Polish-American Leaders at the Memorial Day Polka Party in Cheektowaga, NY to announce exciting new momentum on an effort to welcome Polish Visitors to the United States.

“Poland’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is a long overdue step that puts out the welcome mat for Polish visitors and improves security information sharing,” said Higgins, a member of the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees. “I commend the President Obama and President Komorowski for their leadership on this and other issues that encourage collaboration between our two great nations.”
 
In March Congressman Higgins and Congressman Mike Quigley of Chicago introduced the Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act (H.R. 959) which would grant Poland eligibility to participate in the Visa Waiver Program.  Congressmembers Higgins and Quigley recently joined Reps. Daniel Lipinski (IL-3) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) and Senators Mark Kirk (IL), Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD) in sending a letter to President Barack Obama urging the administration to make Polish inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program a priority. 
 
On Friday Congressman Higgins received a response from the President supporting the legislation which said in part: 
 
“I write to express my strong support for the Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2011. I share your view that our counterterrorism and security partnerships have evolved and it makes sense to pursue a restructuring of the program. Countries that are willing to cooperate with the United States on our global priorities, including on counterterrorism initiatives, information sharing, and prevention of terrorist travel, deserve the opportunity to become part of our VWP.
 
“I also share your support for Poland and disappointment that this close NATO ally has been excluded from the VWP to date. Poland's strong and steadfast support during our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrates the deep alliance we have forged and the close partnership between our two countries.
 
“It is my hope that my trip to Poland will help to strengthen the enduring bonds between the American and Polish people. Thank you again for your leadership on this important issue of interest to both countries.”

This weekend the President visited Poland. During the trip the President, Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced several new initiatives to strengthen the U.S.-Polish partnership.  Below the White House details the piece of the agreement supporting Poland’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program

• Travel to the United States.  President Obama has endorsed legislation co-sponsored by several members of Congress that would reform how countries qualify for the visa waiver program to ensure that strong Allies like Poland get proper consideration.  This legislation requires that aspirants to the visa waiver program commit to enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States.

The Visa Waiver Program allows residents of 36 foreign countries to travel and stay in the United States for 90 days or less without a visa.  To be admitted to the Visa Waiver Program, a country must agree to enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing and are required to maintain high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.