NCJ Number
203840
Date Published
2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This document describes the arrival and departure procedures of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's "US-VISIT" program, which is designed to enhance the Nation's entry and exit system by effectively verifying the identity of incoming visitors and confirming compliance with visa and immigration policies.
Abstract
As part of the enhanced procedures, most arriving visitors traveling on visas will have two fingerprints scanned by an inkless device and a digital photograph taken. All of the data and information are then used to assist the border inspector in determining whether or not to admit the traveler. The enhanced procedures will add only a few seconds to the visitor's overall processing time. All data obtained from the visitor is securely stored as part of the visitor's travel record. The most notable change for international visitors under US-VISIT will be new exit procedures. Most visitors who require a visa will eventually have to verify their departure. This process is facilitated by the placement of automated self-service workstations in the international departure areas of airports and seaports. By scanning travel documents and capturing fingerprints on the same inkless device, the system validates the visitor's identity, verifies his/her departure, and confirms compliance with U.S. immigration policy. Exit information will be added to the individual's travel record to protect their status for future visits to the United States. Upon completion of testing and evaluation, the law requires that US-VISIT capability be implemented at airports and seaports by December 31, 2003.