DOS Cable Regarding Worldwide Information Sharing Standards with Foreign Governments
Reuters obtained a DOS cable, issued on July 12, 2017, that will require all nations to provide extensive data to help it vet visa applicants and determine whether a traveler poses a terrorist threat. In response to Executive Order (EO) 13780, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, produced a report outlining what information is needed from every country in order to sufficiently vet the nationals of that country in order to obtain a visa, admission at a port of entry, or other immigration benefit. Countries that fail to comply with the new protocols or take steps to do so within 50 days could face travel sanctions.