Rate how helpful this article is:

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) hopes it did. DHS’ new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“electronic system”) will aid our national security by adding an extra level of security checks for those entering the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The VWP enables foreign nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The Visa Waiver Program was introduced in 1986 with the aims of facilitating tourism and short-term business visits to the United States, while allowing the U.S. Department of State to focus consular resources on addressing higher risks. To be eligible for a visa waiver under the VWP, the traveler seeking admission to the United States must be a citizen of a “program country,” as designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

The electronic program assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP. According to DHS, the electronic system will mitigate VWP security risks by enabling DHS to evaluate whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP, and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risks prior to their boarding a U.S.-bound carrier.

So, although this is simply aiding in security for a particular group of travelers to the U.S., it may be one step closer to securing our boarders. What do you think?

Tags: Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ESTA, national security, terrorist, Visa Waiver Program, VWP

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 at 11:33 am and is filed under employment law, immigration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.