Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement that the United States and China have agreed to significantly extend both short-term and student visas. Effective Nov. 12, 2014, both countries will extend the duration of multiple entry short-term tourist and business visas to 10 years from one year, while student visas will be extended to five years from one year.
A4A commends the Obama Administration’s efforts to implement practical visa facilitation solutions that encourage air travel to the United States and draw even more visitors to our country. This action will aid in reaching the President’s goal of welcoming 100 million visitors to the U.S. annually by 2021. The U.S. airline industry is indispensable to our nation and its economy and to reaching the 2021 goal, playing a critical role in facilitating international trade and tourism. U.S. airlines remain committed to working collaboratively with the Administration and Members of Congress to further bolster the economic viability of our nation’s travel and tourism industry, which is America’s most important and largest services export.
