GREAT USA Coalition Urges DHS to Clarify Visa Waiver Program Changes Ahead of Global Mega-Events

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Washington, D.C. — February 11, 2026 — The GREAT USA Coalition (Global Recreation, Events, and Tourism USA) submitted formal comments to the Department of Homeland Security urging DHS to clarify proposed expansions to information collection under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including new social media disclosure requirements.

As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, and the 2034 Winter Olympics, GREAT USA emphasized that these events depend on high-volume, low-friction travel by lawful, low-risk visitors from close U.S. allies. The Coalition warned that expanded social media screening could deter travel, slow processing, and trigger reciprocity risks for U.S. travelers abroad without clear security gains. In addition, the purposes for the proposed new requirements need to be better explained as the rulemaking moves forward.

In a recent Washington Post op-ed, GREAT USA Executive Director Stewart Verdery noted that effective homeland security for mega-events requires modern, efficient, and transparent processes that allow legitimate visitors to travel with confidence.

President Trump has positioned the United States as the world’s premier destination for major international sporting and cultural events. That momentum makes it even more important that our entry policies remain efficient, predictable, and welcoming for lawful visitors.