US-VISIT Expanded To Nearly All Noncitizens
The Department of Homeland Security has published a final rule, effective January 18, 2009, that expands the population of those who will be subject to US-VISIT requirements to nearly all non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents. Exceptions include Canadian citizens seeking short-term admission for business or pleasure under B visas and individuals traveling on A and G visas, among others. Those subject to US-VISIT may be required to provide finger scans, photographs, or other biometric identifiers upon arrival in the U.S. Currently, noncitizens arriving at a U.S. port of entry with a nonimmigrant visa, or those traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, are subject to US-VISIT requirements with certain limited exceptions.
On August 31, 2004, the Department promulgated an interim final rule that expanded the US-VISIT program to include those seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program and travelers arriving at designated land border ports of entry. This rule also finalizes that interim final rule and addresses public comments.
