PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

Press Release

24 September 2004
US-VISIT Program extended to Visa Waiver Program Travelers on September 30, 2004

Beginning September 30, 2004, the US-VISIT program will be extended to include travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Under US-VISIT , VWP travelers will be fingerscanned and photographed on arrival in the United States. Up to now, US-VISIT has enhanced the security of U.S. citizens and visitors by verifying the identity of travelers entering with visas. On September 30, this same verification will be extended to visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, arriving at air and sea ports of entry. The fingerscan and photograph requirement will apply to VWP travelers aged 14-79.

The US-VISIT program facilitates legitimate travel, while protecting U.S. borders, and expediting the entry/exit process into the U.S. US-VISIT also enhances the integrity of our immigration system. For more information on US-VISIT, please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website at http://www.dhs.gov/us-visit.

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