ACLU Comment on Bipartisan Visa Waiver 'Fix-it' Bill

WASHINGTON — In a move that is unusual for both its swiftness and bipartisan nature, federal legislation was introduced today to fix a new law that imposed discriminatory travel restrictions on dual nationals from certain countries. Congress passed the flawed measure on December 18 and President Obama signed it the same day. The Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2016 introduced by U.S. Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), John Conyers (D-Mich.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) would repeal those restrictions.

Joanne Lin, American Civil Liberties Union legislative counsel, said:

“Lawmakers who supported the discriminatory provisions are correct to have buyers’ remorse over passing a bill that enshrines discrimination against people based on their nationality, ancestry, and parentage. We’re pleased they have seen the error of their ways and are moving to fix the mess that Congress and the White House created less than a month ago. They should do so without delay.”

More information is at: https://www.aclu.org/blog/washington-markup/looking-forward-international-visits-friends-and-family-2016-better-hope