What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a federal program that allows certain foreign citizens to visit the United States for up 90 days without needing to obtain a visa. Eligible foreign citizens can enter the United States through an authorized port-of-entry, such as an airport. The VWP applies to travelers from certain countries who are coming to the United States for business or pleasure. In order to be eligible for the VWP, citizens from eligible countries must have a valid passport from their country, as well as an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). An ESTA is an online application that requires the traveler to fill out basic information such as name and address. The ESTA is valid for two years and can be renewed upon expiration. In the state of Arizona, the VWP is administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office and also the Department of Homeland Security. The VWP program is designed to facilitate tourism to the United States and does not apply to those seeking to enter the United States to live permanently. Those who violate the terms of the VWP, such as overstaying their visa, could be subject to deportation.

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El Programa de Exención de Visa es una iniciativa creada por el gobierno de Estados Unidos para permitir a los ciudadanos de algunos países de alto riesgo visitar temporariamente el país sin tener que solicitar una visa. Estos países incluyen a la mayoría de los países europeos, así como algunos de Asia. Esta exención es válida por un período de tiempo limitado y el que viaje debe tener un plan de vacaciones o de negocios. En el caso de Arizona, la Ley de Migración también incluye la Ley de Deportación, que requiere que todos los individuos sin documentos sean deportados inmediatamente. El Programa de Exención de Visa no se aplica a estos individuos. Están excluidos de este programa y serán deportados cuando se descubra su estado de inmigrante ilegal. Por lo tanto, con el fin de evitar la deportación, los ciudadanos extranjeros que viajan a Arizona deben obtener una visa para estar en el país.

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