National Visa Policy of the United States

Abstract

The United States grants millions of visas each year to noncitizens who want to come to the country. Parts I and II of this chapter explore the two main categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Part III discusses how U.S. visas are issued and obtained. Finally, Part IV explores how many noncitizens can legally enter the United States without a visa, including those individuals from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program and those individuals granted parole. Each Part of this chapter describes current law, offers brief historical analysis, and identifies contemporary policy disagreements.

Keywords: immigration, migration, law, United States, visas

JEL Classification: K37