U.S. Government Drops Plans to Tighten Security for Vacationers

March 7, 2003

U.S. Government Drops Plans to Tighten Security for Vacationers
In a win that supports international inbound travel, the U.S. government dropped its plans to tighten security by shortening the visits of vacationing foreigners to the United States.

According to CNN.com, the decision came just hours before the Department of Homeland Security was scheduled to take over immigration enforcement.

Last April, the Bush Administration proposed eliminating the automatic six-month stay currently granted to international tourists upon their arrival to the United States.

The new policy change came in a rift between President Bush and his brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. Following the decision, Gov. Bush stated "If enacted, this rule could have impacted millions of international visitors who travel to Florida annually, many of whom own vacation properties here and come for lengthy stays." He also added tourism generates 20 percent of Florida’s general revenue and employs 870,000 workers.

For more on this story, visit CNN.com.