The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced its proposed rules for the US-VISIT air exit system that requires airlines to collect fingerprints or other biometric information from foreign travelers departing from U.S. airports for the purpose of determining whether these individuals have overstayed their visas. The rule is required under multiple pieces of legislation that have been signed into law.
Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee Susan Collins released this statement about the proposed rule:
“Our nation’s security depends on our ability to prevent terrorists and other individuals who pose threats from entering the United States and to quickly locate and track these individuals when entry barriers fail. To meet these goals, the Department of Homeland Security must effectively track both entries and exits from our country. The ability to track exits is critical, because travelers who have overstayed their visas could be security risks. Nevertheless, efforts to make the nation’s borders more secure must also facilitate legitimate trade and travel. While the Department has taken some steps to provide flexibility to airlines that may be forced to shoulder the burden of implementing this important program, I urge the Secretary to continue working with the private sector to develop common-sense solutions to this security challenge.”
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