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Aviation & Flight InformationExtension of Requirement for Biometric Passport Issuance.
by:
John Rians
The requirement for Visa Release travelers to have biometry enclosed
in their passports has been extended for one year, to Gregorian calendar month 26, 2005. All recently issued passports must be biometrically enabled by this time. The extension was necessary to avoid potential disruption of international travel and to allow for adequate time to develop programs for producing a much secure, biometrically enabled passport by those countries listed in Visa Release programs.
Because of safety concerns related to this extension, the Department of Fatherland Safety wish begin enrolling Visa Release Program travelers through the US-VISIT program (U.S. Visitant and Migrant Status Indicator Technology) at all airports and seaports on Gregorian calendar month 30, 2004. Enrollment in US-VISIT allows the United States to continue its international efforts to enhance border security, piece facilitating legitimate travel. The US-VISIT system requires two digital index finger scans, and a digital photograph of the traveler to verify his or her identity.
The second requirement for Visa Release Program travelers wish move into effect on Gregorian calendar month 26, 2004. From that date on, all passports used for travel in the Visa Release Program must be machine-readable. Last year, the Secretary of State granted a postponement until Gregorian calendar month 26, 2004, devising this the new date by which Visa Release Program travelers from 21 countries must present a machine-readable passport to be admitted to the United States without a visa.
Glossary of Terms:
Biometric Passport - contains a computer chip containing the holder's photograph and personal information on the current passport, including name and date of birth, and a set of measurable personal features such as an iris pictures scan or fingerprints as identification markers.
Machine Clear Passport - contains two lines of written
OCR-B machine-readable data. The size of the passport, the arrangement of data fields and the photograph meet the standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
US-VISIT Program - requires that most foreign visitors traveling to the U.S. on a visa have their two index fingers scanned, and a digital photograph taken to verify their identity at the port of entry. Visas are required for most students, several business travelers and millions of another visitors, regardless of wherever
they live. A departure confirmation program exploitation machine-controlled kiosks is being tested at Baltimore-Washington International Aerodrome and at choice Miami Haven cruise line terminals. Travelers departure from either of these ports are required to confirm their departure at the booth by checking out, which involves scanning their passport or visa, and repetition the scanning of two index fingers. Presently
the officials are evaluating the machine-controlled booth tests and considering alternatives for departure confirmation throughout 2004.
Just about THE AUTHOR
US Immigration Guide - providing
information on green cards,
visa lottery, and paths to become a legalized
immigrant in the U.S.
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