Representative Mike Levin | Representative Mike Levin Official website
Representative Mike Levin | Representative Mike Levin Official website
Washington, D.C.- On June 15, Reps. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Lou Correa (CA-46) sent a letter to the Ambassador of Chile to the United States, Juan Gabriel Valdés, regarding the country’s participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and related issues regarding burglary tourism.
The letter raises concerns about the rise of burglary tourism in Orange County and its connection to Chilean nationals entering the United States through the VWP. The VWP allows citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel.
Qualifying VWP countries must meet certain criteria to be eligible for participation, including requirements that participants share specified information regarding nationals of the country who pose a threat to U.S security, and refrain from compromising the law enforcement or security interests of the United States. Countries can be terminated from the VWP for failing to meet requirements or otherwise presenting a threat to U.S. security or immigration interests.
The letter emphasizes Southern California burglaries and other related crimes committed by individuals entering the United States under the VWP have been increasing. According to the Orange County (OC) District Attorney’s office, 14 Chilean nationals have been charged with burglaries and other crimes in the last year after entering the U.S. under the VWP. The letter urges the Chilean Ambassador to take proactive steps to meet the information-sharing requirements under the VWP, and stresses that if action is not taken, Chile may be suspended or terminated from the VWP.
In March 2023, Rep. Levin sent a letter requesting that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies include report language in its Fiscal Year 2024 bill urging the Department of Justice to provide guidance to state and local law enforcement agencies on how to address burglary tourism.
In May 2023, Rep. Levin met with Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, who supports temporarily halting Chile’s participation in the VWP. Rep. Levin’s office also met with Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer’s office to discuss solutions that will protect Orange County residents.
In March 2023, Rep. Correa, the Ranking Member of the House Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee, was briefed by Department of Homeland Security officials on the issue, and since has continued to be in regular contact with officials at every level of national law enforcement to remain abreast of new developments. Just this month, Rep. Correa also met with Chilean Ambassador to the United States Juan Gabriel Valdés, as well as Chilean First Secretary Diego Bunster, to make clear that more must be done to protect the livelihoods of those who call Orange County home.
Original source can be found here.
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