Letter to the Editor: Time to reduce threats due to lack of screening

Are you aware that America is involved with a Visa Waiver Program that allows as many as 20 million citizens from 38 countries to travel to the U.S. and stay for as many as 90 days? Therefore, people from friendly countries in Europe and Asia can visit without adequate screening by a U.S. consulate. It also allows Americans to travel abroad with minimum screening.

With the world situation like it is, should this policy still be in affect? Business and tourist dollars are the reasons this program is still allowed to operate. Should dollars ever affect our safety? We are wholly dependent on the competence and honor of 38 countries!

A 2012 audit by the Government Accountability Officer found that roughly 364,000 people reached the U.S. in 2010 without verified ESTA approval.

We should also question the lack of security with K1 visa that allowed permanent entry for people married to American citizens. This is how the California terrorists got together!

There are probably many good Muslims in the world, but there are a growing number of security threats lurking in the shadows

It’s time to wake up!

Gerald W. Ray

Spokane