The Colombian government, which is currently run by President Gustavo Pero, has requested that the US get rid of the tourist visa that is required for Colombian citizens to enter the country. The Colombian Government even declared that it was more of a demand than a request, that America facilitated the visiting of Colombians to America and its territories. However, getting into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is not easy, 1: Colombia would be required to issue electronic passports. 2: The visitor refusal rate by less than 3%. 3: Quickly notifying if a passport has gone missing or been stolen. 4: The exchange of data especially regarding the security of America would have to be greatly improved. 5: Have high Anti-Terrorism measures. Chile is the only Latin America who’s in this program and they’ve had a near double in tourism. Currently America is having an issue with Chilean Criminals coming into the country which has put Chile’s VWP in jeopardy, it could also give reason for America to have concern with Colombia as they are both Latin American countries. Economic reasons for both countries are presented in the article, America’s increased tourism from Colombia would also create an increase in spending on consumer goods in the country, the upside for Colombia is that its citizens would be given greater opportunities and it would develop the aviation sector in Colombia.
I believe if Colombia can do a good job of dealing with their crime, potential terrorist threats, and other issues than there is no issue with them joining the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). My main concern is with the potential of importing criminals, especially those concerned with the Cocaine production in Colombia as the consumption of the drug in America has increased and thus overdoses. I think if Colombia is serious about joining the program they would have to take a more extreme stance on crime in their country. But overall I see the potential for both countries being much greater than the risk of any domestic issues. I can honestly say I hope that Colombia is allowed to join the program.
In class we have discussed the issue of security and countries national interests. A country’s national interests are defined as being: Domestic Peace, Upholding Justice, General Welfare, and Freedom. America has to fear that the tourism of Colombians could cause issues with Domestic Peace in the country and General Welfare. If Colombian Criminals made it into the country they could present a threat to American Peace, Welfare, and Security. However, if this Program works well both countries would have increased general welfare as both countries would be producing money off of the deal.