U.S. to Toughen Visa Waiver Program

U.S. to Toughen Visa Waiver Program

The White House unveiled changes to a visa waiver program on Monday, strengthening efforts to screen travelers from 38 nations who are not required to apply for visas before entering the United States. The changes are part of a national security effort to crack down on potential militants entering the U.S. in the wake of the deadly Paris terror attacks that left 130 people dead. The "enhancements" include more stringent screening such as potentially fining airlines that fail to verify passenger identities, increased information sharing between countries, requiring all travelers to use passports with embedded security chips and expanding a "pre-clearance program" in foreign airports. The White House acknowledged it would need Congress to pass legislation to further strengthen controls. A House task force is scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss the program.