(Washington, DC) - Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today joined with Congressional colleagues in a letter to Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff urging the Bush Administration to move forward with negotiations to add Greece to the list of countries whose citizens can come to the United States without a visa.

“Greece has fulfilled all of the requirements to participate in the Visa Waiver Program, and as a longtime ally advancing the cause of democracy, Greece deserves to have its application considered promptly and favorably,” said Ackerman.

In order to qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, countries must meet strict eligibility requirements, including passport security and ongoing compliance with immigration law of the United States.  DHS officials claim that negotiations have stalled over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding outlining specific details of the program. Greece is the only original member of the European Union that is not currently a part of the Visa Waiver Program. 

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