Hill Country Chronicle

Today, Congressman Chip Roy of Texas sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The letter urges the reconsideration of Chile's status in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) due to concerns about Chilean gangs entering the United States lawfully through this program and engaging in criminal activities.

Rep. Roy stated, "Chile refuses to provide U.S. authorities the required background information on its nationals seeking VWP entry into the U.S. despite entering into a PCSC agreement with the U.S. in 2013."

He further explained that communities across the country have experienced "burglary tourism," where organized crime rings from Chile exploit the VWP to bring criminals into the U.S. without a visa or criminal background check. These groups are reportedly involved in residential and commercial burglaries, follow-home robberies, and thefts, victimizing thousands of Americans and stealing millions of dollars' worth of goods.

Roy urged action by stating, "We urge you to direct your respective agencies to require Chile to share its security records and to revoke Chile’s VWP status if it refuses to cooperate." He also called for ensuring other countries collaborate with federal authorities to prevent foreign theft rings within the U.S.

He referenced Argentina's loss of VWP status in 2002 when it was discovered that many Argentine citizens were staying in the U.S. illegally for employment and residence as a precedent for potential action against uncooperative nations like Chile.

The full text of Congressman Roy's letter is available for public reading.