Visa Waiver program in the U.S – is this the right time?

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Security experts say that the U.S visa waiver program is a hurdle in the effort to stop terrorists.

As CBS reports, the program allows U.S. citizens to travel to countries in Europe and around the world with just passport and little security scrutiny. Moreover, it also allows nationals from visa waiver countries to do the when traveling to the United States.

In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in France, perpetrated by French citizens, there are concerns national eligible to enter the US freely might double as terrorists.

This Visa Waiver program is now subject to second thoughts by some and questions whether the program, as currently constituted, may expose the United States to unjustified risks.

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According to HomeLand Security News Wire, there are an estimated 3,000-plus European citizens who have traveled to Syria to fight with jihadist groups, adding one more reason why some lawmakers want Congress to reassess the program.

“The visa waiver program is the Achilles’ heel of America,” said Senator Diane Feinstein (D-California) this past Sunday on CNN. “They can come back from training, they go through a visa waiver country, and they come into this country. Now, there are no-fly lists. There are terrorist lists. But they’re in the tens of thousands and even millions, so it’s difficult to ferret someone out.”

Feinstein went on to warn that jihadist groups have already been stealing travel documents, possibly allowing them to get by intelligence agencies.