Citing the Paris terror attacks and growing threats by foreign terrorists, the Obama administration announced it has strengthened its Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

According to the White House, the VWP grants visa-free travel for 20 million visitors, annually, to the U.S. for 38 countries participating in the program. With the VWP, a "comprehensive screening" of travelers occur, but the Obama administration decided to further enhance the program.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been tasked to immediately modify its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications to include previous travel destination information from a VWP traveler, particularly if the individual visited a country deemed as a "terrorist safe haven." The DHS can offer assistance to any interested VWP countries in screening asylum seekers and refugees.

In collaboration with the U.S. secretary of state, the DHS and other appropriate agencies will expedite reviews of countries participating in the U.S. VWP. A report will be compiled for the president, which may include if a participating country is "deficient" in areas of cooperation.

The FBI director will also evaluate information regarding terrorism between the U.S. and any of the VWP countries. The FBI director will provide a report to the president within 60 days after finding options to resolve any deficiencies.

The VWP enhancement includes working with Congress as the DHS secretary is tasked to seek authority to increase the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) fines from $5,000 to $50,000 to all air carriers that fail to verify a traveler's passport. The Obama administration wants to better utilize partnerships with international organizations such as Interpol, with the purpose to monitor lost or stolen travel information. The administration also seeks to encourage VWP countries to share their information to better the screening process.

"The Visa Waiver Program is a valuable tool to promote lawful trade and travel with our best foreign allies," said DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson in a statement on Nov. 30. "But, as many have noted, ISIL's force consists of foreign terrorist fighters, including thousands from countries in the Visa Waiver Program."

Johnson explained that VWP security enhancements began in November 2014. According to Johnson, in August 2015, he introduced a series of further security enhancements including requirements for E-Passports, the use of Interpol's screening capabilities and more information sharing agreements.

He later added, "These are just some of the things we are doing to secure the homeland and protect the American people. There is a role for the public, too. We urge all Americans to exercise their freedom to travel, attend public events, celebrate the holidays, but be vigilant and aware, and report suspicious things and activity. ... In a free and open democratic society, we cannot erase all risk. Nor should we succumb to panic, fear and anxiety, and compromise our values."

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