July 19, 2011
NCR Introduces eGovernment Kiosks
ClearPath software will enable legal immigrants to complete common immigration forms at a fraction of the price typically charged by immigration facilitators
DULUTH, Ga., Jul 19, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NCR Corporation NCR +1.65% , a market-leading provider of self-service technologies and ClearPath, Inc., the leading provider of simplified immigration filing solutions, are piloting self-service technology that can help more than 12 million legal residents complete and file their U.S. immigration forms quickly, reliably and cost-effectively. As part of the first pilot, new NCR eGovernment kiosks will be installed in five Houston, Texas retail stores operated by the Barri Financial Group, a provider of non-banking financial services for the U.S. Hispanic population.
NCR eGovernment kiosks will run ClearPath software that will provide legal immigrants the ability to complete common immigration forms at a fraction of the price typically charged by immigration facilitators.
More than 100 million immigration forms are filed in the U.S. each year. Individual applicants frequently engage non-attorney third parties, often referred to as notarios, to prepare forms at fees of $250 to as much as $1,000 per form. While notarios market themselves as immigration experts, they often have no formal training in U.S. immigration law or processes.
In contrast, the ClearPath software empowers individuals to complete these forms themselves and is designed to help the user avoid common errors, such as entering incorrect alien registration numbers or codes for ports of entry that can cause the form to be rejected. The pilot will offer English and Spanish versions of five of the most common individual immigration forms: biographic information, change of address, employment authorization, green card (permanent residence), and individual tax ID number, and additional forms may be added in the coming months. ClearPath will charge individuals $25-$100 per form.
"There is an enormous population of residents struggling to file their various and often complex immigration forms," said Alberto Laureano, chief executive officer, Barri. "This process has to be done correctly or their immigration status can be affected, so many turn to individuals who hold themselves out as experts in U.S. immigration law for assistance. These individuals will charge outrageous sums of money for simple tasks."
"By applying our self-service expertise to the immigration filing process, we strive to make life easier for millions of people in America," said Tim Heffernan, vice president of government relations and emerging business opportunities, NCR Corporation. "All around the world, there are government processes that can be accomplished more cost efficiently and more easily through self-service."
"Immigration filing should be simple, affordable and accessible. We are delighted to work with NCR to offer our solution in trusted retail locations like Barri," said Michael J. Petrucelli, chief executive officer, ClearPath.
For details and kiosk locations, visit http://immigrationxpress.iclearpath.com/ and www.barrigroup.com .
September 22, 2009
New driver license legislation proposed
New legislation on drivers licenses being considered/rproposed by US government. Opponents argue that it is relaxing the standards set forth in REAL ID. Article on gokiosk.net
April 30, 2008
US announces kiosk pilot for Global Entry Program
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a pilot program that is designed to expedite the screening and processing of low-risk, frequent international “trusted” travelers entering the United States. The Global entry programme is scheduled to launch this summer
lobal Entry will initially be available for US citizens or lawful permanent residents who are frequent international travellers, provided they have not been found guilty of a criminal offence, charged with a customs or immigration offence, or declared inadmissible to the US under immigration legislation. Fingerprint technology will be used to verify the passenger’s identity and confirm his or her status as a Global Entry participant.
“The Global Entry pilot program is an important next step in building upon the foundation of CBP’s other trusted traveler programs, such as NEXUS and SENTRI, and extending expedited processing to low-risk, international air travelers,” said CBP commissioner W. Ralph Basham.
The pilot will be initially conducted at John F. Kennedy International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. The program will begin processing applications from the public starting May 12 with operations at the three initial airports scheduled to begin June 10.
Upon returning from international travel, Global Entry -enrolled travellers may bypass the regular passport control line and proceed directly to the Global Entry kiosk. At the kiosk, the Global Entry traveller will activate the system by inserting his or her passport or US permanent resident card into the document reader. The kiosk will direct the traveller to electronically provide his or her fingerprints and will compare that biometric data with the fingerprint biometrics on file. A digital photograph will also be taken of the traveller as part of the transaction record. Finally, the traveller will be prompted to answer several CBP declaration questions posted on the kiosk’s touch-screen. Once the process is successfully completed, the traveller will be issued a transaction receipt which must be presented to the CBP officer as the participant leaves the CBP inspection area.
The Global Entry application process consists of three steps. First, an applicant must complete and submit an on-line application through GOES and pay a US$100 fee. CBP officers will review the applicant’s information and a background investigation will be conducted. Finally, the applicant will undergo an interview with CBP officers at an Enrolment Center at JFK, Houston or Dulles Airport.
CBP is working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-wide approach to registered traveler programs. NEXUS and SENTRI members are being advised to watch for additional information on how their membership will allow them to use the Global Entry kiosks.
After the Global Entry pilot has been evaluated, DHS plans to foster close ties among Global Entry and other vetted populations, such as TSA’s Registered Traveler Program, where appropriate.
DHS also envisions the development of reciprocal Global Entry programs with other countries. The United States says it will realize two benefits upon entering into bi-lateral agreements:
* expedited entry processing of U.S. citizens travelling to other countries; and
* additional vetting of foreign nationals performed by their governments based on guidelines agreed to with DHS.
Conversations with foreign partners are currently underway.
The notice is currently available and is published in the Federal Register. The program described as International Registered Traveler has officially been renamed Global Entry.
May 10, 2007
Registered Traveler More Convenient than ever
Registered Traveler has deployed enrollment kiosks at two Hyatt Regency properties, one in Santa Clara and the other in San Francisco to bring convenience and speed in applying for the airport fast pass program to the city's business travelers. The Clear registered traveler program allows business travelers and other frequent fliers to pay a fee to be pre-screened by the TSA and receive a biometric identity card that provides them with expedited passage through airport security checkpoints.
Clear(R) Registered Traveler Opens Enrollment Units in Bay Area Hyatt Regency Hotels
NEW YORK, May 8--Clear(R) Registered Traveler has deployed enrollment kiosks at two Hyatt Regency properties -- in Santa Clara and San Francisco (Embarcadero) -- to bring convenience and speed in applying for the airport fast pass program to the city's business travelers. The enrollment locations will be open weekdays from 7am-7pm and will be staffed by Clear attendants in the hotels' lobbies beginning today.
Clear allows business travelers and other frequent fliers to pay a fee ($99.95) to be pre-screened by the TSA and receive a biometric identity card that provides them with expedited passage through airport security checkpoints.
With over 45,000 members, there are five airports with Clear fast pass lanes, including the San Jose International Airport program which launched three months ago and now has nearly 5,000 members. Other locations include Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Orlando International Airports, and JFK Terminal 7, with programs at Newark Airport and two new terminals at JFK about to launch. Albany, NY and Little Rock, AK airports recently selected Clear for their programs, which will become operational soon. In addition, San Francisco, Washington Reagan and Washington Dulles are expected to launch registered traveler programs this summer.
Holly Ivy, Vice President, Client Solutions Group of Ovation-Lawyers' Travel Service said, "We're delighted that Clear has constructed enrollment centers at convenient locations for our clients who have told us they want to enroll their travelers in this time saving, fast pass program. It's terrific that they'll now be able to take advantage of Clear's national network, which is already operational in San Jose and other cities, and we're thrilled that San Francisco International plans to add a registered traveler program later this year."
As Clear's first hotel partner, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Clear to provide complimentary memberships to Hyatt's Gold Passport Diamond Members since February 2006.
"Clear is an extension of our customer service offerings for our guests. As we have done at the Grand Hyatt New York in midtown Manhattan, we are now allowing Hyatt guests and area residents in the San Francisco Bay Area the convenience of enrolling in Clear right on our premises," said Tom O'Toole, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Systems for Global Hyatt Corp.
"The convenient location of Hyatt hotels in the Bay Area, and our ability to bring kiosks onsite because of our terrific partnership with Hyatt, means enrollment in Clear will be even easier," said Steven Brill, CEO and founder of Clear. "We reacted quickly to the feedback that we received from agencies such as Ovation and area law firms, tech companies, and others with frequent travelers. And, in some cases, we are bringing enrollment kiosks directly to their offices."
Those wishing to enroll at the Hyatt locations are asked to begin the enrollment process at www.flyclear.com before visiting the Clear enrollment centers. To complete the process, applicants must bring two pieces of government-issued ID (passport and driver's license are strongly recommended) to the hotels' lobbies during the designated hours - now through June 1.
About Clear(R) Registered Traveler
Verified Identity Pass's Clear Registered Traveler is the only registered traveler program operating at U.S. airports. Clear has been operational since July 19, 2005, at Orlando International Airport and has over 45,000 members. Earlier this year, Clear launched additional lanes at JFK's British Airways Terminal 7 and San Jose, Indianapolis and Cincinnati International Airports. Clear will begin operating programs at JFK's Terminal 1 and 4 and Newark's Terminal B soon. In addition, Clear has been selected by Albany International Airport and Little Rock National Airport for programs at those airports, and the company also has an agreement with Toronto Pearson International Airport to operate a Canadian program, working with Canadian authorities. Clear's verification kiosk with shoe scanning technology, co-developed with Verified Identity Pass's partner GE, will allow members, in most instances, to keep their shoes on as they pass through the Clear lanes at the security checkpoint. For more information: www.flyclear.com.
January 22, 2007
Kiosks Case Studies - Biometric Kiosks
L-1 Identity Solutions Creates Fixed and Mobile Kiosks to Enable Fast, Secure and Simple Self-Enrollment for Biometric-Enabled Credentials
Kiosks Designed to Support Federal Credentialing Programs Set to Launch in 2007
STAMFORD, CT – January 22, 2007 – L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:ID) today announced the design of transportable kiosks that will make the process of applying for federally-mandated biometric credentials quicker, easier and more secure for all citizens. The new L-1 Verification and Identification Enrollment Work Stations (VIEWS) will be available through government agencies, systems integrators and leading providers of credentialing services as they support existing federal and commercial identification-related programs, as well as several new ones planned for launch in 2007. These include initiatives such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), commercial driver's license applications (such as HAZPRINT enrollment), Registered Traveler and many more.
"L-1 is not only providing the superior technology required to help meet our nation's growing emphasis on better protecting personal identities, but also packaging it in such a way that makes enrollment as simple, secure and easy as possible for our citizens," said Robert V. LaPenta, Chairman, President and CEO of L-1.
VIEWS is ideal for use by maritime workers, truckers, and others applying for TWIC cards; federal agency employees who must obtain new biometric-based identification cards per HSPD-12 regulations, and for private citizens who choose to enroll in the Registered Traveler program to speed their way through airport security checks.
VIEWS offers a simple and direct vehicle for quickly entering personal data, biometric imprints, and other information required for their application. For example, data can be taken directly off of the enrollee's passport, driver's license or I-9 card, minimizing the number of fields that need to be populated. This approach assures a level of accuracy and privacy not possible with other application methods. Face and fingerprint images are then scanned though an easy to use, step-by-step process that validates that the correct images have been captured and stored properly. In addition, these kiosks provide a means to cut the wait-time for federally-issued credentials as the files are validated and forwarded to the correct agencies at the time of enrollment.
VIEWS units are flexible, available as permanent stations or as a highly mobile "jump kit" that can be easily transported and set up in minutes, ideally suited for temporary enrollment needs. The kiosks can be branded in accordance with any federal agency requirement or organizational preference. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) also can be altered to fit each specific credentialing application.
The units are comprised of hardware components and software functionality that are tailored to meet each enrollment program's needs. They are powered by a full range of offerings from L-1 companies including:
* iA-thenticate Document authentication scanners and software
* Fingerprint live scan and AFIS solutions
* Integrated camera and facial recognition solutions
* Iris recognition cameras and software solutions
* ABIS-Architecture Workflow Manager for Integrated Data collection and retrieval
* Enrollment specialists, including disabled veterans per an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (see press release dated December 05, 2006)
About L-1 Identity Solutions
L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: ID) offers a comprehensive set of products and solutions for protecting and securing personal identities and assets. Leveraging the industry's most advanced multi-modal biometric platform for finger, face and iris recognition, our solutions provide a circle of trust around all aspects of an identity and the credentials assigned to it -- including proofing, enrollment, issuance and usage. With the trust and confidence in individual identities provided by L-1 Identity Solutions, government entities, law enforcement and border management agencies, and commercial enterprises can better guard the public against global terrorism, crime and identity theft fostered by fraudulent identity. L-1 Identity Solutions is headquartered in Stamford, CT. For more information, visit www.L1ID.com.
The L-1 Verification and Identification Enrollment Work Station (VIEWS) can be tailored to customer needs: biometric, identity management, and secure credentialing components, software integration, and ergonomic design.
CONTACT:
Doni Fordyce
L-1 Identity Solutions
203-504-1109
[email protected]
Noted on kioskmarketplace.com
January 05, 2007
Airport & Check-In Kiosks -- Intellicheck Announces Orders in PR
Intelli-Check announces new deployment of drivers license devices being used by Alamo and National in their self check-in kiosks for car rental kiosks. The order reflects another 200 kiosks being deployed to these particular customers.
January 04, 2007 09:00 AM Eastern Time
Intelli-Check Announces Multiple Purchase Orders for Its ID-CHECK® Technology from KIOSK Information Systems, Inc.
-Successful Airport Pilot Program for Leading Brands National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car Results in Planned Deployment of Self Service Check-In Kiosks in Many Airport Locations-
WOODBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intelli-Check, Inc. (AMEX: IDN) announced today that it has received its second order totaling over two hundred of its ID-CHECK systems from KIOSK Information Systems, Inc. to be integrated into National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car self service check-in kiosks at multiple airports. Vanguard Car Rental USA Inc. is the operator of the National and Alamo brands.
The orders were placed by KIOSK after National and Alamo completed an extensive pilot program at three airports proving the successful operational performance of Intelli-Check’s ID-CHECK technology. Based on the solid integration and outstanding field performance of the ID-CHECK system, National and Alamo have announced plans to roll out the self-service check-in solution at many other major airports nationwide.
Mr. Todd Liebman, Senior VP of Marketing & COO of Intelli-Check, stated, “This order is another example of how ID-CHECK can increase both productivity and security in retail applications where speed and ID proofing are paramount. We have other pilot programs in various stages of testing. We believe that each successful pilot that leads to a phased roll out reinforces our conclusion that Intelli-Check’s proprietary technology is a vital link to both increased security and greater productivity. We also believe that each success will reduce the long sales cycle we have encountered in the past. We are very optimistic that successful pilots, such as those done at National and Alamo airport locations, will continue to create business opportunities for Intelli-Check over the next few years.”
Jerry Dow, Chief Marketing Officer of Vanguard Car Rental USA Inc., said, “We have been very pleased with the way our customers are embracing the new technology, a first in our industry, as well as the service and support provided by Intelli-Check Inc. and Kiosk Information Systems.”
About Intelli-Check, Inc.
Intelli-Check, Inc. is the acknowledged leader in technology that helps assure the authenticity of driver licenses, state issued non-driver and military identification cards used as proof of identity. Our patented ID-CHECK technology instantly reads, analyzes, and verifies the encoded data in magnetic stripes and barcodes on government-issue IDs from approximately 60 jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada to determine if the content and format is valid. For more information, please visit www.intellicheck.com.
About Vanguard Car Rental USA Inc.
As operator of the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands, Vanguard Car Rental USA Inc. comprises one of the leading car rental companies, with more than 3,200 locations in 83 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific Rim, Africa, the Middle East and Australia.
About KIOSK Information Systems (KIOSK)
KIOSK Information Systems is the world leader in design, manufacturing, service and support of indoor and outdoor kiosks, public Internet stations and other electronic self-service informational terminals. KIOSK is the OEM manufacturer of self-service terminals for Dell, Hewlett Packard, Sony Photo, US Transportation Security Administration and many others. KIOSK corporate clients include McDonalds, Ticketmaster, FedEx, Safeway, Citibank, Disney, Exxon Mobil, US Postal Service and Wal-Mart, as well as numerous government agencies and universities. KIOSK has facilities in Louisville, CO and Falkirk, Scotland, UK. Major vertical product markets include Retail, HR, Government, Photo and Digital Media, Voting, and OEM kiosk services. http://www.kiosk.com
Intelli-Check Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. When used in this press release, words such as "will," "believe," "expect," anticipate, "encouraged" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company or its management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the company's management identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the information presented here. There is no assurance that the use of ID-CHECK technology by our potential customers and partners, or government efforts to enhance security or curtail the sale of age-restricted products to underage buyers will lead to additional sales of ID-CHECK technology. Additional information concerning forward-looking statements is contained under the heading of risk factors listed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information.
Contacts
Intelli-Check, Inc.
Frank Mandelbaum, CEO, 516-992-1900
or
Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger Assoc. LLC
Stephen D. Axelrod, CFA, 212-370-4500
[email protected]
or
Media:
Alisa D. Steinberg, 212-370-4500
[email protected]
Fax: 212-370-4500
or
Vanguard Car Rental USA Inc.
Charles L. Pulley, 918-401-6450
Director, Corporate Communications
[email protected]
November 30, 2006
Airline Security -- new kiosk unveiled by GE
 The much anticipated Registered Traveler program just moved a little further along. The program, which allows travelers to pay extra money to go through screening faster than other travelers by pre-registering themselves with a DHS background check and biometric and identity information on file, has been in a pilot process as technology and policy for its management was created. |
SecurityInfoWatch.com
Information, Assessment and Community
Updated: November 30th, 2006 10:16 AM EDT
A New Kiosk for Air Security, as Registered Traveler Moves Forward
GE kiosk gets 'Cleared' as Regist and GE demonstrate new identification and sensor kiosk
GE Security unveiled its full-featured kiosk for the TSA Registered Traveler program. The GE kiosk is being used with Verified's Clear program (the TSA Registered Traveler program is managed at the individual level by private companies, but overseen by the TSA).
GE Security unveiled its full-featured kiosk for the TSA Registered Traveler program. The GE kiosk is being used with Verified's Clear program (the TSA Registered Traveler program is managed at the individual level by private companies, but overseen by the TSA).
The much anticipated Registered Traveler program just moved a little further along. The program, which allows travelers to pay extra money to go through screening faster than other travelers by pre-registering themselves with a DHS background check and biometric and identity information on file, has been in a pilot process as technology and policy for its management was created.
On Friday it was clear that progress had indeed been made, as the Transportation Security Administration announced that it is setting an annual fee of $28 to handle background checks for Registered Traveler participants.
As if that wasn't progress enough for the program, GE Security today unveiled a new technology kiosk that could be used as part of the program.
The company's technology launch was that of its Secure Registered Traveler (SRT) kiosk, which it was unveiling at the National Safe Skies Alliance Symposium in Washington, D.C. The kiosk had been tested as part of the Verified's Clear program, one of a few private businesses that provide the Registered Traveler services. Clear, the only one currently TSA approved -- though many others are close behind in the process to become TSA approved -- currently has 32,000 customers registered who pay roughly $100 per year for the privilege to move more quickly through security.
Note: this is the "verification" iteration of kiosk. There is also the "enrollment" version of this kiosk as well.
July 18, 2005
Biometric Check-Out Kiosks for DHS
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented exit procedures for foreign visitors departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
US-VISIT procedures apply to all foreign visitors (with limited exemptions) to the United States. Most visitors experience US-VISIT's biometric procedures -- a digital, inkless fingerscan and digital photograph -- upon entry to the United States. Now, if they leave from an airport or seaport that has an exit capability like that of Fort Lauderdale, they must also check out.
The exit procedure requires foreign visitors to check out of the country at exit stations located within the airport. Similar to the entry process at airports or seaports, their travel documents will be read, their two index fingers will be scanned at the exit station, their digital picture will be taken, and they will receive a printed receipt that verifies that they have checked out. Workstation attendants will be available to assist with checkout.
To help the process run smoothly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers will provide foreign visitors with a card explaining the exit requirements when they arrive in the United States at airports with exit stations. Directional map cards will be distributed by the airlines and signs will be strategically located throughout the airport directing the visitors to these stations.
US-VISIT exit procedures are currently being piloted at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Long Beach and San Pedro seaports near Los Angeles, San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Miami International Cruise Line Terminal, Newark Liberty International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
US-VISIT is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It enhances security for our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders.
US-VISIT entry procedures are currently in place at 115 airports, 15 seaports and in the secondary inspection areas of the 50 busiest land ports of entry. By December 31, 2005, US-VISIT entry procedures will be implemented in the secondary inspection areas of all remaining land ports of entry.
To date, more than 30 million foreign visitors have been processed through US-VISIT without adversely impacting wait times, and nearly criminals or immigration violators have been denied admission to the United States because of US-VISIT.
January 13, 2005
Traveler Program Through New York�s JFK Airport
Secretary Tom Ridge Announces Enhancement of Expedited Traveler Program Through New York�s JFK Airport
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
January 13, 2005
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced today that the United States would begin deploying enhanced technology to expedite security checks and immigration processing of pre-screened, international travelers through John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Further, Secretary Ridge and Dutch Minister of Immigration and Integration Rita Verdonk announced that their agencies will work together to develop an international registered traveler program.
�These efforts demonstrate again that we can design border security initiatives to both enhance homeland security and facilitate global commerce and travel,� Secretary Ridge said at an appearance at Schiphol Airport today with U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands Clifford Sobel, �In particular, a U.S. - Dutch pilot will bring the extensive experience the Dutch government has had with expedited travel security initiatives together with U.S. efforts, paving the way toward a truly international registered traveler program that enhances security for all travelers.�
Secretary Ridge also pointed out that �the success of the US-VISIT program, particularly in deploying biometrics technologies and processes has given us the confidence to move forward with voluntary expedited travel programs using biometrics.�
The improvements at JFK will be deployed in the coming weeks, while U.S. and Dutch officials commence discussions to design and implement an international pilot.
Secretary Ridge noted that Schiphol's years of experience with biometric-based facilitation programs made the Netherlands an obvious choice with which to begin this cooperative effort. But he stressed that the United States government will also work with other allies in the future.
�Our approach at this point is to think big but begin implementing on a small scale,� Secretary Ridge said. �We want to get it right.�
U. S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents and foreign visitors who travel frequently to the United States will be eligible for the program, contingent upon admissibility to the United States and the completion of a background check.
Participants will use dedicated kiosks when they arrive at JFK Airport. They will enter the United States without routine Customs and Border Protection (CBP) questioning, unless chosen for a selective or random secondary referral. They must present their machine-readable passport, submit their fingerprints for biometric verification, be photographed, and make a declaration at the kiosk. Once cleared at the kiosk, pilot participants will be allowed to claim their bags and exit the airport.
This program will employ strong mechanisms and practices that will protect the personal privacy of participating travelers. These practices will be designed and continuously monitored by DHS�s Chief Privacy Officer.
Travelers who voluntarily enroll in the program must go through a pre-screening clearance, which may include checks of various biometric and biographic watch lists, including a 10-fingerprint criminal history check, a face-to-face interview with a DHS officer, and a review of any other pertinent information.
Travelers may not qualify if they: are inadmissible to the United States under applicable immigration laws; provide false or incomplete information on their application; have been convicted of a criminal offense in any country for which they have not received a pardon; have been found in violation of customs or immigration laws; or; fail to meet other requirements.
For more information, visit DHS.gov.
###
January 05, 2004
DHS US-VISIT Program
Jan 05: Federal agents today will begin fingerprinting and photographing some foreign visitors entering the US
USA Today story
October 31, 2003
Entry Exit Travel
This electronic fingerprint scanner is shown as part of the steps that the Department of Homeland Security would use to verify the identity of international visitors.
story link
October 30, 2003
Homeland Security demonstrates U.S. Visit
The Homeland Security Department today displayed the first iteration of technologies that it is fielding for the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator System.
10/28/03
Homeland Security demonstrates U.S. Visit
By Wilson P. Dizard III
GCN Staff
The Homeland Security Department today displayed the first iteration of technologies that it is fielding for the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator System.
Undersecretary for border and transportation security Asa Hutchinson pledged that the department is on track to bring the first components of the entry-exit system online at 115 airports and 14 seaports early next year and have U.S. Visit running at the 50 busiest border crossings by next fall.
According to department officials, the equipment has been delivered and is being installed now.
DHS had planned to activate U.S. Visit at airports on Jan. 1. But after consulting with airport and airline officials, the department has pushed the start date to Jan. 5 to avoid peak travel during the holiday season, Hutchinson said.
The initial version of the system will capture digital images and fingerprints of travelers arriving in the country with visas, which account about 23 million entries annually.
In a mock demonstration, U.S. Visit program manager Jim Williams explained that the additional procedures of capturing a digital image and an inkless fingerprint from each traveler would add only a few moments to the current admissions process.
Officials also showed how security officials will view information about visitors on a monitor and run checks against the government�s terrorist watch lists.
As to exit data, DHS officials demonstrated a prototype touch-screen kiosk that travelers will use to record their exit from the country. DHS next month will begin a training pilot of the system at Atlanta�s Hartsfield airport, Williams said. The department will then fully activate the kiosks at Hartsfield in December for a test phase before going ahead with plans to install it at 10 airports and one seaport early next year.
The department expects a false positive response from U.S. Visit for than less than 1 percent of all travelers, Williams said.
For the first deployment stage, DHS will use services available under existing contracts with Barton & Associates of Norristown, Pa., Computer Sciences Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp. and Science Applications International Corp. of San Diego.
October 29, 2003
Department of Homeland Security Unveils US-Visit Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today unveiled the capability it will have in place at airports and seaports on December 31, 2003, to process visitors holding visas as they enter the United States.
Department of Homeland Security Unveils US-Visit Program
10/28/03 11:50:00 AM
To: National Desk
Contact: Kimberly Weissman, 202-927-8727, Bill Strassberge, 202-282-8010, both of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today unveiled the capability it will have in place at airports and seaports on December 31, 2003, to process visitors holding visas as they enter the United States.
The US-VISIT program -- United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology -- is a cornerstone of the Department's goals to improve border management at our ports of entry. By capturing more complete arrival and departure data for those who require a visa to enter the United States, the US-VISIT program will enhance the security of our citizens and visitors while expediting legitimate travel and trade.
"We are moving rapidly to complete development and deploy the US-VISIT capability to meet the congressionally mandated deadline of December 31, 2003," said Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary of Border & Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security. "We are on target to achieve this first increment of US-VISIT," he said.
US-VISIT uses scanning equipment to collect "biometric identifiers," such as fingerprints, in an inkless process, along with a digital photograph of the visitor. Together with the standard information gathered from a visitor about their identity and travel, the new program will verify the visitor's identity and compliance with visa and immigration policies. The new procedures are expected to add just seconds to the entry and exit process.
All data obtained from the visitor is securely stored as part of the visitor's travel record. This information is made available only to authorized officials and selected law enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring the safety and security of U.S. citizens and foreign visitors.
At exit points, visitors will check out at kiosks by scanning their visa or passport and repeating the simple inkless fingerprinting process. The exit confirmation will be added to the visitor's travel records to demonstrate compliance. Land border processing will be introduced in phases in 2005 and 2006.
"All of these entry and exit procedures address our critical need for tighter security and our commitment to expedite travel for the millions of legitimate visitors we welcome each year to conduct business, learn, see family or tour the country," said Under Secretary Hutchinson.
"The new program is designed to enhance the security of U.S. citizens and visitors, expedite legitimate travel and trade, ensure the integrity of the immigration system, and safeguard visitors' personal privacy," Hutchinson continued.
The law requires that an automated entry/exit system be implemented at air and seaports by December 31, 2003; the 50 most highly trafficked land ports of entry by December 31, 2004; and all ports of entry by December 31, 2005.
DHS is working closely with the air and sea industry to explain the requirements of the US-VISIT program. In addition, the US-VISIT Project Team will partner with industry to ensure the latest technologies available will be incorporated into US-VISIT. The request for proposal will be issued in November 2003.
The US-VISIT program received $380 million for fiscal year 2003 and was appropriated $330 million for fiscal year 2004.
For more information, visit http://www.dhs.gov/us-visit.
Immigration and Homeland Security
Department of Homeland Security announced plans for a high-tech system
USATODAY.com - Soon, new rules for foreigners
Soon, new rules for foreigners
By Mimi Hall, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON � Millions of foreign visitors to the United States, already under strict scrutiny since the 2001 terrorist attacks, soon will have to be fingerprinted and photographed to get through the nation's airports and seaports.
The electronic fingerprint scanner will allow inspectors to check identities of visitors against those on terrorist watch lists.
By Stephen J. Boitano, AP
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans for a high-tech system that will help track the 24 million foreigners who enter the country with work, student or travel visas each year.
Congress ordered the system after the Sept. 11 attacks, when officials learned that two of the 19 hijackers had violated the terms of their visas. The program's goal is to prevent potential terrorists from entering the country and to register foreigners who are allowed in. It also requires foreigners to check out when they leave so officials can look for people who stay after their visas expire.
The program replaces a controversial measure that required people in the United States from 25 mostly Muslim countries to register with the government.
Asa Hutchinson, head of border security at the department, called it a "dramatic step forward" in tightening security.
But airport managers and travel industry officials say they're concerned that the program will cause delays and discourage tourism. Civil libertarians worry that the information collected won't stay private.
The first part of the new entry-exit system will be launched at 115 airports and 14 major seaports on Jan. 5. Border agents will use a digital camera on a desktop tripod and an electronic fingerprint machine not much bigger than a pack of cigarettes to collect biometric information. The data will be compared with lists of known and suspected terrorists and other lawbreakers. Within seconds, the agent's computer will indicate whether there was a "hit."
Foreigners from 27 countries deemed low-risk will not have to be photographed or fingerprinted. But they will have biometric information put in chips in their passports by late 2004.
The exit part of the new system will require visitors to go to a self-service kiosk, swipe their passports and provide their fingerprints. The kiosks will operate at only about 30 airports in January. Officials said the technology for that part of the program is still being developed.
The most difficult part of the program � setting up the system at border crossings � must be done by 2005. It will be complicated and expensive because there are no lanes or booths for agents to check people on their way out of the country. Studies show that adding an exit system could add hours of waiting time.
Congress, concerned about how the program was being managed, cut its funding this year. President Bush requested $480 million for 2004; Congress approved $330 million.
Rick Webster of the Travel Industry Association said his group supports the idea of registering foreign visitors. But he expressed concern that there may not be "enough equipment, personnel and training to support expeditious processing."
If people face three or four-hour waits at airports, he said, "it only adds another disincentive for people to come here."
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