Include Poland in visa waiver program

It is well past time for the United States to end its inexplicable and discriminatory policy of excluding Poland from its visa waiver program. Poland and its many visitors to the United States deserve better — and our nation would be well-served to keep that in mind.

From consistently standing with the United States on the international stage to the immeasurable contributions of Polonia to American society, Poland and our nation have a long and valued history. In fact, that bond led Poland in 1991 to repeal its visa requirements for United States citizens traveling abroad. Sadly, Polish citizens still lack the same consideration from the United States.

There is no logical reason to continue to discriminate against Poland and its people. Just the opposite, America’s refusal to reflect its friendship with Poland in its visa waiver program sends the wrong message to a trusted ally and threatens the good will between our nations. Just as troubling, we run the risk of alienating Polish residents, and reducing their desire to travel to America.

American policy must change.

To that end, I applaud U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and Congressman Mike Quigley for their commitment to this matter. I stand ready to assist those leaders and others who share a commitment to including Poland in the waiver program. Beyond being good policy, expansion of the program is the right thing to do.

Judy Baar Topinka

Illinois comptroller