DHS looking to biometrics, more shared info on VWP
DHS is proposing changes to the Visa Waiver Program that would expand the use of biometrics, the sharing of information with Interpol and modifications to existing background check databases.
The White House and the Department of Homeland Security are seeking to fill data gaps in the government's Visa Waiver Program in the wake of the Paris attacks by members of the Islamic State group.
The program has become a hot topic on Capitol Hill in the past few weeks because of fears that former Islamic State fighters with European passports could enter the U.S. under the system, which allows visa-free travel to passport holders from more than 30 participating countries, including most of Europe. Congress is weighing several pieces of legislation aimed at filling gaps in the program.
White House directives released Nov. 30 are designed to tighten the program and include having DHS take immediate steps to modify the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which captures information from program participants about past travel.
The White House also asked that DHS consult with the State Department and other agencies and submit a report in two months on its review process for partner countries in the program. The report should also examine pilot programs to assess how biometric identification tools could be incorporated into the process and should identify countries that are not complying with ESTA data requirements.
Furthermore, the Obama administration wants to enhance information sharing with Interpol to improve the country's ability to identify foreign fighters who might have traveled to conflict zones to train or fight with terrorist organizations by maximizing Interpol's ability to track lost and stolen travel documents and prevent them from being fraudulently used for travel.
A DHS official told FCW on background that the agency is looking to Congress for practical help in a number of areas, primarily in expanding its pre-clearance capabilities to airports overseas and allowing it to deploy Customs and Border Protection officers at foreign airports that have direct flights to the U.S.
A DHS spokesman told FCW that the agency has been assessing the Visa Waiver Program for the past couple of years and started making changes to ESTA in 2014. He also said DHS made a series of other data improvements in August.
The official echoed DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson's statement about wanting to work with Congress on the issue and added that the agency supports congressional measures based on the "practical security value" they would bring to the program.
Although a House bill designed to extend the restrictions on admitting Syrian refugees into the U.S. drew objections from the administration and opposition from some Democrats, efforts to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program are proceeding on a bipartisan basis.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) introduced the Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act on Dec. 1. It would require travelers using the program to submit fingerprints and photos and use an electronic passport, among other improvements.