New US restrictions for European, other travelers

US Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson (shown in this Oct. 6, 2014 file photo) says travelers from 38 Visa Waiver Program countries, including most of Europe, will have to provide more passport data, contact information and aliases before they can travel to the United States. AFP

WASHINGTON—The Homeland Security Department is adding new screening requirements for Europeans and other travelers from countries that do not require a visa to enter the United States.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says travelers from 38 Visa Waiver Program countries, including most of Europe, will have to provide more passport data, contact information and aliases before they can travel to the United States.

The move comes amid growing concern of threats from Western fighters returning from Syria.

Monday’s decision to add scrutiny for foreign travelers is the second time in a week that Johnson has announced security changes. Last Tuesday he announced extra security at various federal government buildings in Washington and other major American cities in the wake of a fatal shooting in Canada’s capital city.–Alicia A. Caldwell