California Lawmakers Call for Removal of Chile from Visa Waiver Program Over Burglary Concerns

Lawmakers Urge Removal of Chile from Visa Waiver Program

A bipartisan group of California lawmakers has called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to remove Chile from the visa waiver program (VWP) due to concerns about organized crime groups exploiting the program to commit burglaries in the United States.

In a letter to DHS, Representatives Young Kim, Derek Tran, Dave Min, and Mike Levin expressed their concerns about the increasing number of burglaries committed by South American Theft Groups (SATGs), many of whom originate from Chile. These groups, also known as "burglary tourists," travel to the U.S. through the VWP with the sole intention of robbing homes and businesses before returning to their home country.

The lawmakers highlighted the impact of these burglaries on communities, businesses, and law enforcement agencies in Orange County, California. They cited a 2024 report indicating that 59 residential burglaries in the area were suspected to be committed by SATGs.

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about SATGs exploiting the VWP. In June 2023, Representatives Kim, Levin, and Lou Correa sent a similar letter to the Biden administration, warning that these groups often sell stolen goods online and launder money through Chinese crime syndicates.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has also publicly called for Chile's removal from the VWP, stating that "every other South American country that has participated in the past has been kicked out of the program for sending their criminals to the United States of America."

As of the publication date, DHS has not responded to a request for comment on the lawmakers' request.