What Laws Govern the VWP?
In 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act incorporated the Visa Waiver Pilot Program into the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The program retained its pilot status until October 30, 2000, when the Visa Waiver Permanent Program Act made the pilot program permanent. Section 217 of the INA provides the legal authority for the VWP. Section 711 of the Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (911 Act) authorizes the expansion of, and added provisions for, strengthening security of the VWP.
