United States revokes eligibility for Visa Waiver program for Romania
The Unforeseen Suspension of Romania's Visa Waiver Program
In a move that has sparked multiple reactions, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to rescind Romania's Visa Waiver Program (VWP) designation, as announced on May 2, 2025. The decision is aimed at safeguarding the VWP and enhancing border and immigration security.
This action has inadvertently lent support to the polarizing rhetoric in Romania, particularly bolstering far-right presidential candidate George Simion, who clinched the first round of the elections on May 4, 2025. The timing of this decision, just a couple of days before the Romanian presidential elections, has raised eyebrows and criticism.
The decision might be a response to Romania's inaction in addressing the crimes committed by its nationals in the U.S., largely involving border trespassing into Mexico.
However, the political implications are undeniable. The U.S. Administration's stance comes at a time when comments from certain factions have questioned the integrity of the Romanian elections and the disqualification of isolationist candidate Călin Georgescu, whose candidacy was annulled on December 6, 2024, due to alleged Russian interference.
On March 25, 2025, the DHS had already put Romania's VWP designation under review, suspending the implementation that was originally set to begin. Interestingly, the DHS clarified on May 2, 2025, that it designated Romania as a VWP country back in January 9, 2025. However, they added that Romania may be reevaluated for the VWP designation if it meets the statutory eligibility criteria. Despite concerns regarding Romania's compliance, DHS didn't specify which criteria Romania has breached.
In response to this decision, Romania's Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing regret.
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Note: The information provided earlier mentioned the incorrect year for the DHS' decision. The decision was made in May 2025, not 2023.
- The far-right Romanian presidential candidate George Simion, who won the first round of the elections on May 4, 2025, has been bolstered by the United States Department of Homeland Security's decision to rescind Romania's Visa Waiver Program designation, announced on May 2, 2025.
- The isolationist candidate Călin Georgescu, whose candidacy was annulled on December 6, 2024, due to alleged Russian interference, was disqualified amidst comments from certain factions questioning the integrity of the Romanian elections.
- The U.S. Administration's stance comes at a critical time in Romania's policy-and-legislation, with the DHS having already put Romania's VWP designation under review, suspending the implementation that was originally set to begin on March 25, 2025.
- The Foreign Ministry of Romania issued a statement expressing regret following the suspension of Romania's Visa Waiver Program, a move initiated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security due to concerns regarding Romania's compliance with the statutory eligibility criteria for the program. This gesture is likely to dominate general-news discussions in Romania and wider politics.
