DHS Will Employ New Tracking System for Visa Holders
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans on implementing a new, improved system to track individuals who overstay their U.S. tourist or work visa. DHS plans to begin the program in the next few weeks, and the program will trace future immigrants— not those that are currently in the U.S.
The system will utilize biometrics, which is a type of technology that identifies individuals based on physical or behavioral characteristics.
DHS has been brainstorming ideas to deploy those who overstay their U.S. tourist or work visa ever since the terrorism attack of 9/11. According to reports, the goal of using biometrics for visa holders is to reduce terrorism attacks. The Associated Press reported that 36 individuals charged with terrorism were in the U.S. with visas that expired.
Although biometric measures will be employed to track visa holders, DHS will keep an even closer watch on those with criminal records.
“Unless they had some reason to believe an individual detained for some other offense was in fact an immigration violator, it would be rare that they would INS and ask them to do a TECS (Treasury Enforcement Communications System) check.” said John Cohen, DHS deputy counter terrorism coordinator.