Bills · HR 362
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 362Immigration
Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 13· LAST ACTION JAN 13
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it could significantly change how international visitors come to the U.S. Virgin Islands, potentially boosting its economy. If passed, it would remove a major barrier—the visa application process—for tourists and business travelers from eligible countries, making the Virgin Islands a more accessible and attractive destination. This could mean more money flowing into local businesses, more jobs for residents, and increased cultural exchange.
Without this bill, the U.S. Virgin Islands would continue to operate under current visa requirements, potentially missing out on a segment of international tourism and business that might otherwise choose destinations with easier entry rules. The bill also highlights the federal government's role in balancing economic development for its territories with national security concerns, as the program includes safeguards against threats and overstays.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a visa waiver program for the Virgin Islands of the United States, allowing non-immigrant visitors to enter for business or pleasure for up to 45 days without a visa.
This provision makes it easier for international travelers to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, potentially boosting the local tourism economy.
PROVISION 02
Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to determine that an adequate arrival and departure control system is in place and that the waiver does not pose a threat to U.S. security.
This ensures that national security interests are protected even as travel is made easier for certain visitors.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that the regulations implementing the program must include member or associate member countries of the Caribbean Community, unless doing so poses a security risk.
This specifically targets a key regional market for tourism and business, potentially strengthening ties with neighboring countries.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish an administrative processing fee for the program.
This ensures that the program may generate revenue to help cover its administrative costs.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· U.S. Virgin Islands
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
20
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 13
Introduced in House
JAN 13
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 362
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 13, 2025
Last actionJan 13, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2025
House BillHR 362Immigration
Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 13, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
