Leondra Head | Local & World Editor
French officials confirmed January 18 that the terrorist group known as ISIS has created an entire “industry” out of the production of fake passports. ISIS has acquired thousands of blank Syrian passports.
ISIS has managed to produce fake passports through a printing machine after taking over government offices in Syria. The terrorist group first took over parts of the Syrian government nine months ago.
ISIS first gained access to Syrian citizens’ personal records and committed identity theft by breaking into Syrian government buildings 17 months ago.
These Syrian government buildings contained valid biographical data and fingerprint info on Syrian citizens.
ISIS’s tactics create a major security risk in the United States. FBI Director James Comey first publically revealed in a press release that the nation’s top security officials have anxiety over the problem.
The production of fake passports also brings security concerns to European countries. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve had a meeting with top European officials where he proposed setting up a new task force to help nab people attempting to come into the European Union with fake papers.
At least two of the ISIS extremists who launched a murderous attack on Paris travelled to France using fake Syrian passports.
The extremists used established migrant routes through Europe pretending to be refugees by using Syrian passports.
Freshman biology major Aisha Sims of Atlanta said that ISIS is becoming too powerful. “With ISIS obtaining and using false passports, the U.S. and European countries need to take precaution for terroristic acts.”
Sims believes the terroristic acts committed in Paris could happen to other countries as well.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched an investigation report warning the use of counterfeit passports. The Department of Homeland Security plans to take steps in moving forward with the investigation in making sure no one enters the U.S. under a fraudulent passport. Homeland Security’s further plans have not yet been announced.
The report notes that the primary source of the investigation report is to keep America safe from any terroristic acts.
Shala Thomas, a freshman journalism major from Sunderlade, Maryland, said, “The U.S. will be stricter about who is allowed to enter the country.” Homeland Security has a tough job to handle during this investigation. As a result, airport security will become more alert.
“During New Year’s, security was increased because of what happened in Paris. Foreign travelers are going to get questioned more,” said Thomas.
The Hampton Script 