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New entry-exit system for visitors to US

T V Parasuram in Washington

The United States Immigration and Naturalisation Service will begin implementing new requirements for foreign visitors as they enter and exit United States from next month.

Outlined in the 'USA Patriot Act' approved by the Congress in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the new system will be in effect at all US ports of entry by October one, the Department of Justice said.

At selected points of entry, a small percentage of foreign visitors will be fingerprinted, then the results will be matched against a database containing list of known criminals and terrorists, it said.

The new system, to be evaluated and tested from September 11, will designate visiting aliens as 'high-risk', and keep authorities informed of their whereabouts during their stay in the United States.

The visitors will be selected according to intelligence reports reflecting activities of terrorist organisations.

Attorney General John Ashcroft said the new system is vital in the war against terrorism.

"This system will expand substantially America's scrutiny of those foreign visitors who may present an elevated national security risk," said Ashcroft, adding that 'it will provide a vital line of defence in the war against terrorism'.

The programme will also require the same individuals to periodically confirm their address and activities in US, as well as confirm their exit from the country.

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