US-VISIT
Stored: US-VISIT
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Partnership |
| Top Organization | Department of Homeland Security |
| Creation Legislation | Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | To enhance the security of U.S. borders by collecting biometric data to track the entry and exit of foreign visitors. It aims to verify the identity of visitors and ensure compliance with visa and immigration policies. |
| Program Start | 2004 |
| Initial Funding | $330 million |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
The US-VISIT was a program within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that focused on improving border security by implementing biometric verification for non-U.S. citizens entering the country. It was part of efforts to ensure that individuals entering and leaving the U.S. complied with immigration regulations.
Mission
The mission of US-VISIT was to enhance national security by verifying the identity of travelers entering and exiting the U.S. through biometrics like fingerprints and photographs, aiming to prevent illegal immigration, enhance counter-terrorism efforts, and ensure compliance with visa stipulations.
Parent organization
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security - US-VISIT was a program under DHS, specifically managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and later by the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM).
Legislation
US-VISIT was mandated by the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002.
Partners
- US-VISIT worked with various DHS components and international partners but did not list specific organizations in the provided references.
Number of employees
The number of employees specifically for US-VISIT is not available as it was integrated into other DHS functions.
Organization structure
- US-VISIT was managed by a Director, with operations spread across CBP ports of entry.
- After restructuring, its functions are now part of the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM).
List of programs
- Biometric Entry and Exit System
- Biometric Watch List Checks
- Verification of visa compliance
Last total enacted budget
The specific budget for US-VISIT was not publicly detailed but was part of the broader DHS budget for border security.
Leader
The position of Director of US-VISIT no longer exists as the program has been absorbed into OBIM.
Services provided
US-VISIT provided biometric identity verification services at U.S. ports of entry, including the collection of fingerprints and photographs, to confirm the identity of visitors and track their compliance with visa terms. It also facilitated the sharing of this data for security checks.
Regulations overseen
US-VISIT did not directly oversee regulations but ensured compliance with immigration and visa policies through its operations.
Headquarters address
Not applicable, as US-VISIT's functions are now part of OBIM.
Website
The program's operations are now under the Office of Biometric Identity Management - https://www.dhs.gov/obim
Wikipedia article
wikipedia:United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology