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
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in Immigrants' Rights
-
Will Customs and Border Protection's Revised Vehicle Pursuit Policy Make Us Safer?
-
Broken Promises: Trump-era Travel Bans Keep Thousands Trapped in Limbo
-
Immigrants’ Rights Organizations Reach Settlement in Case Brought to Protect Medically Vulnerable People Detained by ICE
-
Voting and Immigrants’ Rights Advocates Sue Over New Florida Law That Targets Voter Registration, Civic Engagement, and Political Speech
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About Immigrants' Rights

The fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person, regardless of immigration status.