Lawmakers in the U.S. are discussing ways to improve security after the terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino. This week the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to ban people from participating in the Visa Waiver Program who have visited 'high risk countries' in past five years. Ellen Scott reports from Washington.
IN: "Inspired by the recent
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ICRT: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-icrt.mp3
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RNZ: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-rnz.mp3
VATICAN: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-vat.mp3
ZIZ: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-ziz.mp3
GENERIC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-sm-gen.mp3
Script:
Inspired by the recent terror attacks across the globe - US lawmakers are stepping up security efforts. They're starting by taking a closer look at the visa waiver program.
The focus is on preventing dangerous extremists from entering the country....even it that means stepping away from the being a historically open and welcoming nation.
The current waiver program allows visa-free entry into the U-S for citizens of 38 countries - including most of Europe.
The U.S. Congress hopes to pass new legislation that would address the vulnerablities and weaknesses of the program.
Marc Fry - the Former Director of the Visa Waiver Program - had this to say.
SOT: "I do thinks the legislation past yesterday and passed by this committee strikes a right balance between taking what has already been a successful security program and improving it with the current threat environment."
The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed a bill would require passport holders of the 38 countries participating visa waiver program to obtain a visa if they recently visited a country with terrorist activity - including Iraq, Iran, Syria or Sudan.
It would require the 38 countries to check travelers against Interpol databases.
Nations who don't share this data could be dropped from participating.
The Former Director of the Visa Waiver Program - Marc Fry said the program needs some other improvements.
SOT: "You need to change the name. A lot of the problems with the visa waiver program have to do with misunderstandings. Fundamentally Visa Waiver sounds like we are waiving security requirements when we are precisely doing the opposite of that."
Some are voicing concerns that the changes would discourage humanitarian activity or journalism from occuring in these countries.
John Wagner of the US Department of Homeland Security says some exceptions should be made.
SOT: "I think we would look for some flexibility in those cases. Look at the persons purpose or intent to that region"
But there are downsides and opposition to the visa waiver program changes. The enhancements would be logistically challenging and expensive. The travel industry could take a hit if these stricter rules and screening procedures were put into place. And European officials have also voiced concerns.
And the process is complicated on Capitol Hill. The Senate is continuing discussions with it's own version of the bill... and it hasn't been scheduled for a vote yet. Ellen Scott, Washington.
IN: "Inspired by the recent
OUT: SOC
DUR: 2:06
AIR: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-air.mp3
ARN: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-arn.mp3
FM4: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-fm4.mp3
ICRT: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-icrt.mp3
NIGERIA: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-von.mp3
RNZ: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-rnz.mp3
VATICAN: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-vat.mp3
ZIZ: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-ziz.mp3
GENERIC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1209visapkg-es-sm-gen.mp3
Script:
Inspired by the recent terror attacks across the globe - US lawmakers are stepping up security efforts. They're starting by taking a closer look at the visa waiver program.
The focus is on preventing dangerous extremists from entering the country....even it that means stepping away from the being a historically open and welcoming nation.
The current waiver program allows visa-free entry into the U-S for citizens of 38 countries - including most of Europe.
The U.S. Congress hopes to pass new legislation that would address the vulnerablities and weaknesses of the program.
Marc Fry - the Former Director of the Visa Waiver Program - had this to say.
SOT: "I do thinks the legislation past yesterday and passed by this committee strikes a right balance between taking what has already been a successful security program and improving it with the current threat environment."
The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed a bill would require passport holders of the 38 countries participating visa waiver program to obtain a visa if they recently visited a country with terrorist activity - including Iraq, Iran, Syria or Sudan.
It would require the 38 countries to check travelers against Interpol databases.
Nations who don't share this data could be dropped from participating.
The Former Director of the Visa Waiver Program - Marc Fry said the program needs some other improvements.
SOT: "You need to change the name. A lot of the problems with the visa waiver program have to do with misunderstandings. Fundamentally Visa Waiver sounds like we are waiving security requirements when we are precisely doing the opposite of that."
Some are voicing concerns that the changes would discourage humanitarian activity or journalism from occuring in these countries.
John Wagner of the US Department of Homeland Security says some exceptions should be made.
SOT: "I think we would look for some flexibility in those cases. Look at the persons purpose or intent to that region"
But there are downsides and opposition to the visa waiver program changes. The enhancements would be logistically challenging and expensive. The travel industry could take a hit if these stricter rules and screening procedures were put into place. And European officials have also voiced concerns.
And the process is complicated on Capitol Hill. The Senate is continuing discussions with it's own version of the bill... and it hasn't been scheduled for a vote yet. Ellen Scott, Washington.