DHS Interim Rule Begins Implementation of Second Phase of US-VISIT
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an interim rule that provides for the implementation of Phase II of the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Technology Program (US-VISIT), effective September 30, 2004.
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DHS to Expand US-VISIT to 50 Most Highly-Trafficked Land Border Ports
According to DHS, this interim rule expands the US-VISIT program to the 50 most highly trafficked land border ports of entry in the U.S. DHS states that these 50 land border ports will be integrated into the US-VISIT program following identification in Federal Register notices, with all 50 ports of entry to be identified no later than December 31, 2004.
In addition, this interim rule further defines the populations of aliens who are subject to US-VISIT requirements and provides exceptions for other aliens. DHS also states that this interim rule also makes technical changes to US-VISIT as a result of comments received by DHS on its January 2004 interim rule which implemented the first phase of the US-VISIT program. (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/09/04 news, 04010925, for BP summary of this interim rule.)
DHS adds that it is seeking comments on or before November 1, 2004 on all aspects of the operation of US-VISIT to date, as well as this interim rule's expansion.
(DHS explains that US-VISIT is an integrated, automated entry-exit system that records the arrival and departure of aliens; verifies aliens' identities; and authenticates aliens' travel documents through comparison of biometric identifiers.)
-written comments are due by November 1, 2004.
DHS interim rule (D/N DHS-2004-0002, FR Pub 08/31/04) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-19906.pdf
DHS correction of the interim rule's docket number (D/N DHS-2004-0002, FR Pub 09/02/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-20126.pdf