Summer 2004 issue

All Visa Applicants To Be Fingerscanned

On Monday, August 9, 2004, the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow will begin collecting fingerscans from all nonimmigrant visa and immigrant visa applicants. This quick, inkless procedure captures two electronic scans, creating a biometric identifier that is incorporated into the applicant’s machine-readable visa. Congress mandated visa-issuing embassies and consulates worldwide to begin collecting biometric identifiers from all visa applicants by October 26, 2004. The worldwide move to fingerscanning is part of US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology). An automated entry/exit system, US-VISIT enhances security and expedites legitimate travel and trade by quickly matching fingerscans taken overseas with those taken at the port of entry, ensuring that the person who shows up on the U.S. border is the same one who applied for a visa abroad.

All applicants aged 14 to 79, inclusive, will be required to submit fingerscans at the time of their visa interview. The applicant will simply be required to place his or her index fingers on an electronic scanner in a procedure that is completely inkless and adds only a few seconds to the processing time for the visa. If a fingerscan cannot be collected from an applicant’s index fingers, then another finger will be used. There is no need to wash one’s hands after the fingerscan is taken.

The current policy in Poland exempts people over 60 from having to apply in person for a tourist visa unless asked. These applicants may submit their applications to the Embassy via courier service. These applicants will, however, still be required to come to the Embassy in Warsaw or Consulate General in Krakow and have their fingers scanned.

The U.S. government is committed to the concept of "secure borders, open doors" and strives to facilitate legitimate travel to the United States by international visitors while maintaining the integrity and security of our borders. Including biometrics in visas helps reduce the use of stolen and counterfeit visas, which makes travel to the U.S. safer for legitimate travel. It also aids in the replacement of lost or stolen travel documents by facilitating confirmation of identity.

Please click here for additional information about visa application requirements and procedures. Please visit http://www.dhs.gov/us-visit for more information on US-VISIT.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Welcome to our Readers || All Visa Applicants To Be Fingerscanned || A Note to Tourists || 2004 Elections Swiftly Approaching || Windfall Elimination Provision || ASSISTING VICTIMS OF CRIME IN POLAND || ASSISTING THOSE ACCUSED OF CRIMES || VISA REFUSALS AND AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES || The Diversity Visa Program || Work And Travel Program Brings Polish Students To the United States || How Can I Get Answers To My Consular Questions?