DHS says US government “closely looking” at vaccine passports

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced Friday that the federal government is assessing having vaccine passports for international travel purposes.
• The White House has earlier said that it would not mandate COVID-19 passports.
• The vaccine passport has become a hot topic in the US as Republicans are against implementing it.

Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the US Department of Homeland Security announced on Friday that the Biden administration is having “a very close look” in considering vaccine passports for global travel.

During his interview in ABC’s Good Morning America, Mayorkas was asked regarding the possibility of having vaccine passports for travelling in and out of the US.

“We’re taking a very close look at that,” he said.

“You know, one of our principles that has guided us throughout this pandemic is the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and making sure that any passport that we provide for vaccinations is accessible to all and that no one is disenfranchised,” the secretary added.

Ultimately, Mayorkas still suggests that people should avail themselves of the vaccine shots.

“We’ve got vaccination centers everywhere — no more than a few miles from everyone’s homes. And it’s so important to get that vaccine, make one safe, make one’s loved ones and friends safe around you,” he said.

The White House has earlier said that there would not be a federal imposition of COVID-19 vaccination.

Speaking with reporters last Friday, Principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the federal government remains firm on its stand about vaccine passports.

“The U.S. government recognizes that other countries have or may have foreign entry requirements. We will be monitoring these and helping all U.S. travelers meet those,” she said. “But there will be no federal mandate requiring anyone to obtain a single vaccination credential.”

Asked to respond about Mayorkas’ statements, a Homeland Security representative told The Hill that the secretary was discussing how US citizens can pass travel mandates across the world.

“We’ve always said we’re looking at how we can ensure Americans traveling abroad have a quick and easy way to enter other countries,” the spokesperson said. “That’s what the Secretary was referring to; ensuring that all U.S. travelers will be able to easily meet any anticipated foreign country entry requirements.”

“There will be no federal vaccinations database and no federal mandate requiring everyone to obtain a single vaccination credential,” the spokesperson added.

Mayorkas’ comments came amid the border reopening of several countries for international travel. Last Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that the European Union and a few Asian nations were working on developing digital passports using phone apps.

The issue on vaccine passports had become a national debate as the country beefs up its inoculation movements. Numerous Republican states have prohibited local communities and establishments from mandating such doing since it would invade a person’s right to get vaccinated or not.

Source: The Hill