Dear Senators, The Visa Waiver Program is what allows US citizens to see the Eiffel tower, Big Ben, attend international conferences, and visit family overseas -- without undergoing a costly and time-consuming Visa approval process. 38 countries participate in the program, though its future is uncertain due to a bill that has been bundled with the year-end appropriations act. The ACLU and even some House members who voted for the bill have now voiced concerns about its effects. As it is now written, Dual nationals of Iraq, Sudan, Iran, or Syria will now be required to obtain visas for travel. In addition, anyone who has traveled to those four countries since March 2011 will lose their visa-free travel status, even if they were there as a human rights observer or documentary film-maker. The ACLU predicts that as currently written, this bill could affect individuals who have never even been to Iraq, Syria, Sudan, or Iran: those who have inherited dual citizenship from their parents. Why is this so important to me? I'm an American, and whether or not I'm personally affected by this bill, it's wrong. Especially in the current climate of Islamophobia, I feel I have to speak out. After 9/11, I remember everyone being so scared and in a rush to do something. We passed the Patriot Act, which certainly should have included more oversight and limits on wiretapping. I see that same fear now, after the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino. However, rushing this poorly designed bill through with the appropriations bill won't fix anything. It will make life worse for US citizens trying to visit sick family members, travel for business, or even take a spring break abroad. Please do the right thing, and do not pass the appropriations bill while this broken bill is attached. More information: https://www.aclu.org/blog/washington-markup/looking-forward-international-visits-friends-and-family-2016-better-hope