IL SR0262

Urges the President of the United States to lift restrictions preventing Poland's admission to the U.S. visa waiver program, which allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.

Notes that the U.S. Department of State has been conducting discussions with Poland since 2005 regarding visa waiver program admission, with a 2006 bill proposing expansion but receiving no Senate action.

Highlights that citizens of 30 European countries, including Poland's neighbors Germany, Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Slovakia, already have visa-free entry privileges under the program.

Identifies Poland's high rankings in human development, human rights, and standard of living as qualifications matching current visa waiver program criteria, and notes Polish visa holders have low overstay rates.

Argues that admitting Poland to the program would benefit Chicago's economy by increasing Polish tourism and facilitating travel between Chicago and Warsaw, both major financial centers.