In addition, nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of the above mentioned four countries are no longer eligible for the VWP programme.
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House Republicans said the announcement by the administration went against the will of Congress by including waivers for certain government, humanitarian or journalistic purposes – or, in the case of Iran or Iraq, for business purposes.
As part of the nuclear deal, the USA promised to introduce no new nuclear-related sanctions on Iran as long as it remains in compliance. “And we are, in conjunction with, and frankly, Department of Homeland Security has the lead on this, enacting that law”, spokesperson Mark Toner responded. Lawmakers hope that tighter restrictions will prevent Europeans with ties to the Islamic State group from entering the USA and waging jihad. Those who are denied visa-free travel can still apply for visa through a USA embassy in their home country, the agency said.
The exceptions do not apply to people with dual Iraqi, Syrian, Iranian or Sudanese nationality.
Citizens from the 38 waiver program nations, most of which are in Europe, are now required to submit biographical information to obtain a travel authorisation through the so-called Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before coming to the US.
The adjustment was mandated by legislation passed in the wake of November’s deadly ISIS-linked terrorist attacks in Paris, where several of the perpetrators were European citizens.
However, the United States, concerned that terrorists could take advantage of the old program, took stricter measures to protect its security.
“What they do is they subject individuals that have recently traveled to these countries to more screening”.
“It’s a recognition that threat exists and an attempt to add another layer of security”, he said.
Does this impact Americans heading to Europe?
Americans may also end up affected by the new rule, if VWP countries introduces reciprocal action against US citizens. Journalists, humanitarian workers, government officials and those on “legitimate business” are possibly exempt from the new rules.
The move has Republican lawmakers calling foul and arguing that the Obama administration is once again trying to circumvent the law.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and the bill’s author, Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., issued a statement Thursday that said the waivers broke the law. “This is not a difference of opinion over statutory interpretation”.
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“We will carry out the law that Congress passed and the president signed”, a senior administration official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
