2003 Press Releases

 

US-Visit Program to Enhance Security Will Begin January 5

Bratislava, December 31, 2003

The U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indication Technology system (US-VISIT) will be implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on January 5, 2004, at all U.S. commercial international airports and several major seaports to process visitors holding visas as they enter the United States.

Under the US-VISIT program, all travelers entering the United States with a visa will have an electronic scan taken of two fingers and will be photographed by a digital camera. The new, inkless digital "fingerscanner" is easy to use. The visitor will be asked to put one and then the other index finger on a glass plate that will electronically capture two fingerprint scans. Visitors also will be asked to look into a camera and their picture will be taken.

All data obtained from the visitor will be securely stored. This information will be made available only to authorized officials and selected law enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring the safety and security of U.S. citizens and foreign visitors.

The US-VISIT program is designed to facilitate U.S. entry for legitimate tourists, students and business travelers, while making it more difficult to enter the U.S. illegally. Biometric identifiers (such as the fingerprint scans) also protect visitors to the U.S. by making it virtually impossible for anyone else to claim their identity should their travel documents be stolen or duplicated.

The US-VISIT program is a cornerstone of efforts to improve border management at U.S. ports of entry. By capturing more complete arrival and departure data for those who require a visa to enter the United States, the US-VISIT program will enhance the security of both citizens and visitors while expediting legitimate travel and trade.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/us-visit