IBIA voices strong support for US visa waiver reforms

The International Biometrics & Identification Association (IBIA) has expressed its strong support for Congressional action to reform the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and congratulated the House for its work on HR 158, Visa Waiver Improvement Act of 2015.The IBIA wrote in a statement that because security threats to the US have intensified, that it is vital that the country stays one step ahead of those who would do us harm.”Following these steps taken by the House, we must immediately plan further strengthening of the VWP. It is crucial to our security that VWP travellers undergo biometric screening prior to boarding all planes to the US,” wrote the IBIA.Under the current system, biometric screening of all VWP travellers is taken upon arrival at US ports of entry. At that time, the fingerprints are collected and vetted against the biometric holdings of Department of Homeland Security, US law enforcement, the military, the intelligence community, and immigration records.”After more than a decade of collecting and analysing fingerprint records,” says Tovah LaDier, IBIA Managing Director, “the reliability of that process is unimpeachable and ensures that no credible lead goes unchecked.”Screening for VWP travellers is currently based solely on biographics collected under the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). The IBIA says this is inadequate, pointing out that notwithstanding the global recognition of the effectiveness of biometrics to identify terrorists and criminals, no biometrics are collected from VWP travellers when they board planes bound for the US”Given the rising threat of ISIL and other terrorist organizations, biometric screening prior to departure is critical to our national security and can be accomplished without compromising travel and trade,” says LaDier.”Screening of VWP passengers prior to departure provides substantial security benefits. This proactive practice helps to identify terrorists and other criminals as early in the process as possible, stops them from boarding planes bound for the US, and prevents attacks on US bound planes,” she says.The organisation points to significant benefits to early screening of passengers, including biometric screening, saying these are clearly recognized by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in its own fact sheets about its Immigration Advisory Program (IAP), which undertakes document and biographics screening, and its Preclearance program-that incorporates biometric screening of passengers at point of departure.”Biometric screening can be accomplished without undue burdens on travel and trade. CBP already maintains staff, facilities, and equipment under its IAP in many VWP countries and is expanding the Preclearance program. CBP officers stationed abroad to check documents could also pilot the collection of biometrics from targeted passengers through mobile devices, much as they do today with biographics information”.The IBIA also points out that advance screening saves money for the government and airlines alike.”The government is spared the costs of removal proceedings and airlines are spared the cost of transporting the individual back to the departure airport. For the vast majority of innocent VWP travellers, the VWP remains a significant benefit. Biometric queries can be accomplished in seconds and are a minimal investment compared to the cost and logistical burden of obtaining a visa”.”Strengthening VWP is a critical step in protecting our security. Looking forward, the use of e-passports with biometric identifiers and implementation of a biometric exit system are also critical. IBIA looks forward to working with Congress and collaborating with all stakeholders to implement effective and practical programs that protect our security”.

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