PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 1, 2000
Visa Waiver Permanent Program Act - Title I: Permanent Program Authorization - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make the visa waiver pilot program permanent.Title II: Program Improvements - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant program privileges to countries that extend reciprocal program privileges either directly with the United States or in conjunction with a designated program participant country and have with such country a common immigration admissions area.(Sec. 202) Establishes deadlines for: (1) participating countries to have a machine readable passport program; and (2) alien visitors to have such passports. Requires such programs and passports to meet the international standard for machine readability.(Sec. 203) Requires an automated system check of visitor admissibility, and provides that an alien denied program entry may seek entry only through visa application. Prohibits with respect to an alien denied program entry: (1) administrative or judicial review; or (2) parole entry except under compelling public interest.(Sec. 204) Requires periodic written evaluations of a participating country's effect on U.S. law enforcement and security interests. Provides for emergency and automatic recission of program designation.(Sec. 205) Provides for an automated entry-exit program control system, which shall include data provision by participating sea or air carriers. Sets forth related recordkeeping and agency data sharing provisions.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 106-396.
Became Public Law No: 106-396.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote. (consideration: CR H9541-9545; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H9541-9543)
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.(consideration: CR H9541-9545; text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H9541-9543)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Mr. Smith (TX) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S9657)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S9657)
Measure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S9451-9453)
Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 524.
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2036-2037)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H2036-2037)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3767.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2036-2040)
Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 308.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 106-564.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 106-564.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3767 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.3767 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.3767 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
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