Some people concerned about new security measures after President Trump's modified travel takes effect

Dale Yurong Image
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Some people concerned about new security measures after President Trump's modified travel takes effect
The time needed to get through a TSA security checkpoint at airports around the country may soon take longer.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The time needed to get through a TSA security checkpoint at airports around the country may soon take longer. The Department of Homeland Security is ready to implement new "seen and unseen" security measures.

Some travelers leaving Fresno-Yosemite International believe it will be an inconvenience.

Gilda Chinnici, from Philadelphia, said, "It's going to be very, very difficult for business travelers that travel every Monday and every Thursday. The lines are already long in the summertime and it's going to make it even harder."

Enhanced security could include more K-9 units plus more hand swabbing and new scanning machines to detect minute traces of explosives.

"It is time that we raised the global baseline of aviation security. We cannot play international whack-a-mole with each new threat," said John Kelly, Homeland Security Secretary.

The travel ban impacts people coming from Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Iran, Yemen, and Syria unless they have "bona fide" American relationships.

Electronic devices larger than a cell phone can't be carried onto flights headed to the US from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa.

Reza Nekumanesh of the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno doesn't believe that's fair.

"If you come from Southeast Asia or South Asia or the Middle East you can't bring a laptop. Even that's a problem because it's based on nothing but a discriminatory practice against an entire people for the actions of a couple."

The laptop ban has not been expanded but homeland security says changes at airports both foreign and domestic are needed to protect Americans around the globe.

Despite the added delays at the airport Chinnici does see the point.

"Well anything for safety"

Refugees from countries like Syria face a 120 day travel ban to allow for a longer vetting process.

The US Supreme Court will hear arguments on President Trump's travel ban in October.