WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) called on President Barack Obama to support a critical ally in Europe and Polish-Americans everywhere by including Poland in the Visa Waiver Program. The inclusion of Poland into the Visa Waiver Program has gained wide-spread, bipartisan support in prior Congresses. In 2007, President Bush called on Congress to expand the program to include countries such as Poland as well.

"Poland has proven to be an indispensable ally in the global campaign against terrorism." said Rep. Quigley. "Including Poland in the Visa Waiver Program will have positive security, economic, and bilateral effects. In addition, there are thousands of Polish-Americans in my district alone who would benefit by making it easier to have a loved one visit them, not to mention the local businesses that would benefit from tourism dollars. We owe it to a country that has stood by us, and to the people who would like to visit the United States."

Since 1999, Poland has been a valuable member of the global security community, not only as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but fighting along side United States forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A member of the European Union since 2004, Poland repealed its own visa requirement in 1991 which allows Americans to travel to Poland without the use of a visa.