On April 30, 2003, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Tom Ridge announced the creation of a new entry and exit system called the Visitor and Immigrant Status Indication Technology system, or U.S. Visit. U.S. Visit will replace other systems such as NSEERS and SEVIS and will monitor the entry and exit of foreign nationals. The new system is designed to make entering the U.S. easier for lawful nonimmigrants (F-1 students, H-1B temporary workers, etc..) while making it more difficult for foreign nationals, including terrorists, to enter the U.S. illegally.  In addition, the system aims to monitor the timely departure of all foreign nationals in the U.S. 

Some of the technology which will be used at U.S. ports of entry to enforce U.S. Visit includes computer equipment which will recognize fingerprints or iris scans, facial features and other characteristics of foreign nationals as they enter and exit the country. According to Secretary Ridge, the first phase of the biometric technology needed for this system will be in place at international air and sea ports by late 2003. 

To view Secretary Ridge's speech regarding this and other DHS accomplishments during its first 100 days, link to www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/speech/speech_0108.xml.

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