U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that additional biographic data will be collected from travelers to the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries:
“We commend Secretary Johnson and DHS for their constant efforts to improve U.S. security policies. Even programs that are unquestionably effective should be continually evaluated and evolve along with the shifting security landscape, and the announced adjustments to the Visa Waiver Program are evidence that the current administration wholly embraces that approach. VWP is already esteemed by security experts as a vital tool for counterterrorism efforts, and the program should continue to serve as a model both for innovative policy and sound policymaking.
“An important element of any policy shift is clearly communicating details to the public. The travel community stands ready to help disseminate information about the changes to VWP, and we urge the administration to pursue every available means to make sure inbound travelers from VWP countries are made aware of the new requirements.
