The program Visa Waiver, which allows Chilean citizens to travel to the United States without the need for a visa, has been the subject of debate in recent weeks due to accusations of crimes committed by some beneficiaries. Republican Kevin McCarthy, speaker of the US House of Representatives, has made funding for the program conditional on Chile providing the criminal records of visa applicants. This controversy has led a high-level Chilean technical team to negotiate in Washington with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to update the program’s requirements.
An agreement is expected to be reached at the latest meeting, according to sources close to the talks. The Chilean ambassador in USA, Juan Gabriel Valdés, has expressed his hope that the consensus reached will satisfy both parties. The controversy began when the district attorney for Orange County, California, accused Chileans of participating in criminal activities in the area. Chilean authorities have tried to address the problem and have worked to improve procedures between the police forces of both countries.
In 2022, Chile registered the highest number of deportees among the countries participating in the program Visa Waiver, with an increase of 119.4% compared to the previous year. These data have contributed to the debate on the safety of Chilean citizens traveling to the United States. Until now, Chilean authorities have provided criminal information on travelers when requested by US authorities, but Republicans demand that they be informed of criminal records before travelers enter US territory.
Although the good relations between Chile and USA remain, it is worrying that this issue is becoming politicized in an electoral context. The Chilean Foreign Ministry affirms that this program is an important component of the bilateral relationship and has been working to comply with the requirements. In 2022, around 350,000 Chileans traveled to the United States with a tourist visa that is obtained through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and lasts for 90 days.
As negotiations between Chile and the United States intensify, it is hoped that an agreement will be reached that satisfies both parties. Updating the program requirements Visa Waiver seeks to improve automation and immediacy in the exchange of police information. Although the new requirements may generate changes in the program, it is expected that the possibility for Chilean citizens to travel to the United States without the need for a visa will be maintained, as long as the agreed requirements are met.
