DHS Watch : New Entry-Exit System to Begin
Posted May 09, 2003

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Tom Ridge, unveiled a plan to establish a high-tech, U.S. exit-entry system. The announcement came in a speech highlighting the progress of DHS over its first 100 days. The new system, the "U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indication Technology System" (U.S. Visit), will use the latest technology, including a minimum of two biometric identifiers.

The system is designed to facilitate legitimate entry to the U.S. while detecting those seeking improper entry. The system will make it possible to have more definitive authentication of documents by using biometrics such as photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans. Entry to and exit from the U.S. will be largely automated and will meet with Congressional requirements for an automation of the entry-exit system.

The new system will replace the current National Security Exit Entry Registration System (NSEERS) and will work with the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Information on the NSEERS program is available in our August 16, 2002 MurthyBulletin article, First Phase of Exit-Entry Registration to Begin. Information on the SEVIS program is covered in our November 30, 2001 article, INS Testimony on Tracking Foreign Students. Both articles are available on MurthyDotCom. The new U.S. Visit program will begin initial operation by the end of 2003. We certainly hope it fulfills the promise of simplifying entry procedures for those with valid eligibility.