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The U.S Department of Homeland Security announced plans to expand its controversial pre-clearance program at foreign airports, saying that requiring travelers to undergo screening before boarding flights to the United States is essential for national security.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement that the department is seeking permission from foreign governments to add more airports to the program starting next year. It is unclear which airports and countries might go along, but Johnson said he is targeting key airports in Europe and Asia.
According to the Washington Post, under pre-clearance, travelers undergo immigration and customs inspections by U.S. Custom and Border Protection at foreign airports before flying to the United States, and they can be treated as domestic passengers at American customs checkpoints after landing.
The U.S. government has set up air pre-clearance locations in six countries including Canada, Bermuda and Ireland, but the facility that opened earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has prompted protests from a coalition of airline industry organizations and concerns from a bipartisan group of lawmakers.
