Safe, Secure, and Speedy: New U.S. Security Plans Aim to be Exactly That
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
September 15, 2004
At a recent travel conference I attended overseas, there was much debate over the concept of a post 9/11 fortress America. Those closer to the struggle, perhaps those closer to the actual events of 9/11, found this reaction to be preposterous. Because people from 80 different countries perished on 9/11, one would think, we should all be united in the need for greater global security. Isn't it about time that U.S. Visit, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, gets its act together?
The new plan to more stringently track incoming U.S. visitors was highlighted by the fact that many of the 9/11 hijackers had overstayed their visas. While the program and policies aren't entirely new, they do mark an affirmation to enforce existing policy as well as to extend the enforcement of policy to visitors coming in from countries participating in our visa-waiver program.
Wherever you stand on the issue, it won't change the fact that U.S. Visit has a mission to fulfill, and they're charging full-steam ahead in an effort to make the nation more secure for those who reside on U.S. soil--as well as for those who visit. In recent months, they've worked doggedly on making uniform policies for travelers coming into the United States. Perhaps streamlining expectations will make things seem less severe. After all, change can seem like a hardship, even if it's in the name of innovation. In time, I hope we'll see that the technology employed will lead to more facile border crossing for all of us.
There are basics that you and your friends, family, and colleagues abroad will need to know about entering the U.S. starting September 30th. In the meantime, students, tourists, and business travelers coming to the U.S. will be affected. The 211 visa issuing posts throughout the world will incorporate U.S. Visit as part of the process. Admittedly, the biggest change will be for foreigners who don't require visas. Starting immediately, they will be required to check in and, ultimately, to check out upon leaving the country. (Note: There is currently an agreement in place with Canada, which allows its citizens to be exempted from U.S. Visit.)
This plan allows the US to track the time visitors spend in the country, though it does not track what people do while they're here. Gathering biometric data (an inkless fingerprint and photo) of all visitors upon entry, and then again at the time of exiting, can be done quickly and easily. Of course, the first time a visitor enters and must be put into the system, it's expected to take a little longer. Thus far, trials have been promising and delays have reportedly been kept to a minimum.
Once collected, the DHS can use this information to make sure the person applying for entry into the U.S. is the same person who was issued the visa--this can be compared to current watch lists. It's worth noting that U.S. Visit conforms to the appropriate U.S. privacy laws.
We may not be at our final solution, but at least we're taking a step towards it. Tracking this data is important for global safety and I am fully prepared to offer up my biometric information when I travel.
For more information on U.S. Visit or to obtain further details on the program go to www.dhs.gov/usvisit.
For the most recent travel news check out Amy Ziff's Travel Tips from AtoZ at www.travelocity.com/atoz. If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com ask.amy@travelocity.com. Come back monthly to see if your question has been answered.
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