The Trump administration said on Friday it was revoking the admittance of Romania to the U.S. visa waiver program that allows visa-free travel to the United States, less than four months after the announcement that it would be added.
The announcement came on the eve of a redo of presidential elections which is seen as a choice between remaining a committed member of the European Union or taking a sharp turn to the right. It was unclear what impact the decision would have on the ballot.
Romania’s Foreign Ministry called it “a political decision.”
“It’s a political decision that is at the discretion of the American authorities and reflects the priorities of the administration. Romania and the U.S. remain partners determined to strengthen cooperation in all areas,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The Romanian Government…considers it essential that the American partners provide all the technical details that were the basis for the temporary cancellation of the decision to enter Romania into the Visa Waiver Program,” a statement from the prime minister’s office said.
“Romanian citizens deserve the same treatment as the citizens of other allied states who benefit from visa-free access to the American territory… The Romanian Government will continue the diplomatic dialogue at the highest level so that the rights of Romanians are respected”
On Jan. 9, the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden said it was admitting Romania to the program as it had met security requirements, including entering into partnerships with U.S. law enforcement to share information on terrorism and serious crimes. The new rules were to take effect around March 31.
In late March, the Department of Homeland Security paused implementation to conduct a review, which concluded that the designation should be rescinded in order to protect the integrity of the program and ensure border and immigration security.
“We are grateful for Romania’s close partnership over the years to enhance security cooperation. Romania may be reconsidered for (visa waiver program) admission in the future,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
Romania was the 43rd country admitted to the program, and the fourth added under Biden after Croatia, Israel and Qatar. The program has led to a boost in tourists from the countries that are added because it makes it easier to come to the United States.
