The agency announced that travelers from countries participating in the "Visa Waiver Program" will have to provide additional passport data, contact information and possible aliases.

"We are taking this step to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program, to learn more about travelers from countries from whom we do not require a visa," DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement Nov. 3. "We are also confident these changes will not hinder lawful trade and travel between our nation and our trusted foreign allies in the Visa Waiver Program."

The move comes in response to heightened terrorism concerns, which Johnson has said requires a stronger DHS roles before international travelers reach America.

Johnson said at the annual Association of the U.S. Army conference in October that the agency was establishing more preclearance checkpoints overseas before international passengers board their flights, instead of waiting until they reach America before sending them through customs.

The agency will also continue evaluating how it can strengthen security while still allowing travel, Johnson said.

"Any opportunity I have to defend the end zone from the 50, not just the one-yard line, I will take," Johnson said.

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