US Homeland Security Releases Security Enhancements To Visa Waiver Program

America has upped its security enhancements as prevention against foreign fighters entering its soil. The Homeland Security Secretary Johnson has announced, under the enhancements the following precautions will be taken:

1. Additional compulsory information in travel applications
2. Those seeking visas should provide the following details
   1. Additional passport data
   2. Contact information
   3. Other potential contacts and their details

The US has asked for the information specifically from countries that are under the visa waiver program. These precautions are being taken to prevent foreign fighters from Syria and Iraq entering America through the visa-waived countries. The countries that have the privilege should ensure that their citizens furnish the additional details before boarding a flight to America. The additional data details have to be submitted via the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The heightened security steps were introduced on Monday. This applies to even those visitors from other countries, who are visiting US on a visit visa.

The statement released by Secretary Johnson says, ‘Effective today, those seeking to travel to the United States from countries in our Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be required to provide additional data fields of information in the travel application submitted via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The new information sought includes additional passport data, contact information, and other potential names or aliases. We are taking this step to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program, to learn more about travelers from countries from whom we do not require a visa. We are also confident these changes will not hinder lawful trade and travel between our Nation and our trusted foreign allies in the Visa Waiver Program’.

News Source: US Homeland Security

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