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January 18, 2009
DHS Reminds International Travelers that CBP Begins Implementing New
US-VISIT Requirements on January 18
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reminded international
travelers today that beginning Jan. 18, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) will implement new USVISIT procedures that require
additional non U.S. citizens to provide digital fingerprints and a
photograph upon entry to the United States.
Effective Jan. 18, 2009, the following additional non U.S. citizens
will be required to provide biometrics when entering or reentering the
United States by air, sea or during secondary inspection at a land port
of entry:
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States;
- Persons entering the United States who seek admission on
immigrant visas;
- Persons entering the United States who seek admission as
refugees and asylees;
- Canadian citizens who are currently required to obtain a Form
I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) upon entry or require a waiver of
inadmissibility to enter the United States (this excludes most
Canadian citizens entering the United States for purposes of
shopping, visiting friends and family, vacation or short business
trips);
- Persons paroled into the United States; and
- Persons applying for admission under the Guam Visa Waiver
Program.
Collection and verification of biometric identifiers upon entry
protects travelers by making it virtually impossible for anyone else to
attempt to use their biometrically linked travel documents (such as a
permanent resident card), if their documents are stolen or duplicated.
USVISIT biometric collection requirements apply to most non-U.S.
citizens, with limited exemptions, entering the United States regardless
of country of origin or whether they are traveling on a visa or by air,
sea or land. Non-U.S. citizens under the age of 14 and over the age of
79 are exempt from US-VISIT procedures, as are certain other individuals
admitted under specific categories. The Final Rule is available for
viewing at
http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/laws/gc_1229618480915.shtm.
GT will continue to monitor the information provided by the government
regarding this initiative.
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