If you’re planning to visit the United States, you’re likely aware that you need a visa. However, you may not know that the US visa is actually 80 years old! In this article, we’ll explore the history of the US visa and how it’s evolved over time.
The Origins of the US Visa
The US visa was first introduced in 1924, as part of the Immigration Act of 1924. This act put strict quotas on the number of immigrants who could enter the US each year, and required visas for those who wanted to enter the country.
Originally, the US visa was only required for immigrants. However, in 1941, with the outbreak of World War II, the visa requirement was extended to all foreign visitors entering the US.
From the 1940s to the 1960s, the US visa process was relatively straightforward. Visitors simply had to apply for a visa at their local US embassy or consulate, and if approved, they were granted a visa for a specific period of time.
The Introduction of the Electronic Visa System
In the 1990s, the US government began to explore the use of technology to streamline the visa application process. In 1996, the Electronic Visa System was introduced, which allowed visitors to apply for a visa online.
This system made the visa application process much faster and more convenient for visitors, as they no longer had to travel to a US embassy or consulate in person. However, there were still some drawbacks, such as long processing times and technical issues with the online application system.
The Creation of the Visa Waiver Program
In 1986, the US government created the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allowed citizens of certain countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
The VWP was initially available to citizens of a few select countries, such as the UK, Japan, and Australia. However, over time, more countries were added to the list, and today, citizens of 39 countries can enter the US under the VWP.
The Introduction of Biometric Data Collection
In 2004, the US government introduced the US-VISIT program, which required all visitors to the US to have their biometric data collected, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.
This program was introduced as a security measure, to help prevent terrorists and other criminals from entering the US. However, it also caused some controversy, as some visitors felt that their privacy was being invaded by the collection of their biometric data.
The Recent Changes to the US Visa System
In recent years, the US government has made several changes to the visa system, which have caused some confusion and uncertainty among visitors.
In 2017, the Trump administration introduced a travel ban on citizens of several Muslim-majority countries, which was met with widespread opposition and legal challenges.
Also, in 2018, the US government announced changes to the Form I-94, which is the document that visitors receive when they enter the US. These changes included the elimination of the paper version of the form, and the introduction of an electronic version.
Conclusion
The US visa system has evolved significantly over the past 80 years, from its origins in the Immigration Act of 1924 to the current electronic visa application system and biometric data collection requirements.
While the visa process can be confusing and time-consuming, it’s important to remember that the US government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its borders, and that the visa system plays an important role in that effort.
