The Visa Waiver Program allows Chilean citizens to enter the United States without obtaining a traditional visa. Chile has been the only Latin American country to benefit from this program since 2013.
However, in recent years, some U.S. authorities have questioned the program’s continuation, citing alleged failures in the exchange of criminal record information regarding Chilean citizens.
Recently, new criticisms have emerged from the political and judicial sectors in the U.S., reigniting the debate over the possible suspension of the program.
Despite these pressures, the Chilean government has urged calm, assuring that there are no official indications that the benefit is at risk.
Criticism from the U.S. Against Chile’s Visa Waiver Program
One of the main critics of the Visa Waiver Program for Chile is the Orange County District Attorney, Todd Spitzer. On his X social media account, Spitzer claimed that there is a «dangerous loophole in the Visa Waiver Program». According to him, this has been exploited by Chilean organized crime networks to enter the U.S. and commit crimes such as residential burglaries, theft, and other property-related offenses.
Spitzer has argued that Chile has systematically failed to provide U.S. authorities with the necessary criminal record information about its citizens. This would facilitate what he calls «criminal tourism» in the United States.
For this reason, the district attorney has formally requested the Trump administration to suspend Chile’s participation in the Visa Waiver Program.
Spitzer’s concerns add to criticisms from other U.S. political figures. Marco Rubio, the current U.S. Secretary of State, had previously expressed his intention to end the Visa Waiver Program for Chile, citing similar concerns related to security and immigration control.
Chilean Government’s Response: A Call for Calm
In response to District Attorney Spitzer’s statements and the renewed debate in the U.S., the Chilean government has dismissed the idea that there is an imminent risk of the Visa Waiver Program being suspended.
Acting Minister and Government Spokesperson Aisén Etcheverry emphasized that the Chilean administration has worked «meticulously and responsibly» on this matter, maintaining an active diplomatic dialogue and information-sharing agreements with the U.S.
Etcheverry stated that «requests are made continuously by different actors,» but that decisions regarding the program are handled through official channels, which have not yet indicated any concrete risk of cancellation.
Possible Scenarios and the Future of the Visa Waiver Program for Chile
As of today, there has been no formal notification from the U.S. government regarding a possible suspension of the program. But pressure from figures like Spitzer and Rubio could influence future decisions.
Chile’s continued participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) depends on the U.S. authorities’ assessment of security cooperation levels and information exchange.
While the Chilean government insists that it has met all requirements and maintains ongoing dialogue with the U.S., perceptions regarding the program’s impact on U.S. security could tip the balance against its continuation.
AIM Global Assists You in Obtaining U.S. Visas
The future of the Visa Waiver Program for Chile will depend on the evolution of the debate in the U.S. and bilateral relations on this issue.
Meanwhile, at AIM Global, we echo the statements made by Chilean authorities. At this time, the program is not at immediate risk, and you can proceed with your application without issues.
If you want to explore visa options for the United States, such as the EB-5 visa, which grants residency through investment, our team is ready to provide you with the best advice and guidance.
You can schedule a free consultation with us for more information.
