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Big Brother is alive and well and working in the
US Immigration Service
THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) CONFIRMS
THE DECEMBER 31, 2003 LAUNCH OF THE UNITED STATES VISITOR AND IMMIGRANT STATUS
INDICATOR TECHNOLOGY (US VISIT) PROGRAM
US VISIT will capture and match Biometric Identifiers
The DHS has developed a comprehensive entry-exit data collection and management system
called United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US VISIT), as
one link in a planned, comprehensive immigration data collection and tracking system.
The DHS is under mandate to implement the US VISIT by December 31, 2003. This week the
DHS confirmed that initial phases of US VISIT will be implemented in accordance with
the statutory deadline.
ENTRY PROCEDURES
US VISIT is designed to capture biometric identifiers upon a visitor's entry which
can be matched against biometric identifiers captured upon his or her exit. As usual,
when entering the United States, a visitor will be inspected by a Customs & Border
Protection (CBP) inspector who will examine the visitor's documents and ask the visitor
questions regarding the nature and length of his or her visit to the United States.
In addition to this routine inspection process, upon implementation of US VISIT, the
CBP inspector will take a digital photograph of the visitor and obtain the visitor's
fingerprints through an inkless process. The visitor's photograph and fingerprints will
remain stored in US VISIT and become part of the visitor's permanent immigration record.
These entry procedures are scheduled for implementation at 115 airports and 14 major
seaports on or before December 31, 2003.
EXIT PROCEDURES
The US VISIT system contemplates visitors being able to self-register their departure.
Exit procedures under the US VISIT program are scheduled for implementation in phases at
airports and seaports, with all major airports and seaports equipped for US VISIT "check
out" early in 2004. Border posts are slated to be equipped for US VISIT "check out" by
December 31, 2005. Once the exit procedures of US VISIT have been implemented, visitors
departing the United States will be required to register their departure by providing a new
photograph and fingerprints at one of the designated "check out" stations. This system,
when fully implemented, will create and maintain permanent immigration records capturing a
visitor's immigration history, including short overstays, which could adversely impact the
adjudication of future applications for visas or other immigration benefits.
The changes come into force immediately for
those currently in the UK. For new applicants
the changes come into force in 25th August 2003.
GOVERNMENT ACCESS
A broad range of governmental departments and agencies will have access to the US VISIT
system data and will utilize such data to make determinations with regard to visa issuance,
adjudication of benefits applications, security and enforcement action. Departments and
Agencies slated to have access to the system include: US Customs & Border Protection,
US Immigration & Customs Enforcement, US Citizenship & Immigration Service, US Department
of State, including all consular posts. Additionally, federal, state, and local law
enforcement personnel will have access as needed for law enforcement purposes.
For further information please contact the following:
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