The US Travel Association has issued an open letter to the US Congress urging legislative reform of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry process.
The association wants Congress to provide increased funding for CBP staff and initiatives such as Automated Passport Control to improve the re-entry process for international travellers.
A report by the industry body estimates the total cost to the US economy of delaying and deterring visitors is $95 billion over the next five years.
US Travel Association president and CEO Roger Dow said: "The US welcomed 67 million visitors last year, and far too many of these valued customers spent the first hours of their trip waiting in line at US air ports of entry.
"International travel is a bright spot for the US economy, but long lines and wait times that many experience during entry are deterring millions of potential visitors."
The report found that 2.7 million international travellers – about 9% of potential trips – avoid visiting the US every year because of the problem.
