US-VISIT is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security because it enhances security for our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders. US-VISIT helps to secure our borders, facilitate the entry and exit process, and enhance the integrity of our immigration system while respecting the privacy of our visitors.
US-VISIT is part of a continuum of security measures that begins overseas and continues through a visitor’s arrival in and departure from the United States. It incorporates eligibility determinations made by both the Departments of Homeland Security and State.
In those cases where a visa is issued by the Department of State, biometrics such as digital, inkless fingerscans and digital photographs allow the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether the person applying for entry to the United States is the same person who was issued the visa by the Department of State. Additionally, the biometric and biographic data is checked against watch lists, improving the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to make admissibility decisions as well as the Department of State’s ability to make visa determinations.
US-VISIT currently applies to all visitors (with limited exemptions) holding non-immigrant visas, regardless of country of origin.
This system has been in place for a while at several major airports and seaports and will be expanded to include visitors traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – - It will continue to grow with goals having been set all the way through December of next year.
Do you think a program of this type will help keep US airports, seaports and borders safe?
Read on – -
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