If Terrorism Is Homegrown, a Visa Overhaul Won't Keep Americans Safe | RAND

10.12.15

If Terrorism Is Homegrown, a Visa Overhaul Won't Keep Americans Safe | RAND: The real threat to America, however, appears to be less one of infiltration and more one of inspiration. The Isis radio station released a statement on Saturday claiming that two of the group's followers had carried out the attack in San Bernardino — but, although the federal investigation continues, thus far there appears to be no evidence of direct involvement by the Islamic State. That Isis applauded the shooters does not mean that it directed the attacks or even actively recruited the attackers.

Despite being the focus of renewed scrutiny, only three people involved in terrorist incidents have entered the US via the visa waiver program in the past quarter-century. All three cases involving the visa waiver program could have had disastrous consequences, but intelligence and a bit of luck intervened. And, there have been none since cooperation among intelligence agencies around the world was increased and visa-waiver requirements were strengthened following the attacks of 9/11.