CHAPTER 15 - ENHANCED BORDER SECURITY AND VISA ENTRY REFORM

Title 8 > CHAPTER 15

Sections (38)

§ 1701 Definitions

In this chapter: The term “alien” has the meaning given the term in section 1101(a)(3) of this title . The term “appropriate committees of Congress” means the following: The Committee on the Judiciary, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. The Committee on the Judiciary, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives. The term “Chimera system” means the interoperable electronic data system required to be developed and implemented by section 1722(a)(2) of this title . The term “Federal law enforcement agencies” means the following: The United States Secret Service. The Drug Enforcement Administration. The Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Immigration and Naturalization Service. The United States Marshall Service. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The Coast Guard. The Diplomatic Security Service. The United States Postal Inspection Service. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice. The United States Customs Service. The National Park Service. The term “intelligence community” has the meaning given that term in section 3003(4) of title 50 . The term “President” means the President of the United States, acting through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, the Attorney General, the Director of Central Intelligence, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secretary of Transportation, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Secretary of the Treasury. The term “USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001 ( Public Law 107–56 ). ( Pub. L. 107–173, § 2 , May 14, 2002 , 116 Stat. 544 ; Pub. L. 107–296, title XI, § 1112(c) , Nov. 25, 2002 , 116 Stat. 2276 ; Pub. L. 108–293, title VI, § 619 , Aug. 9, 2004 , 118 Stat. 1062 ; Pub. L. 114–125, title VIII, § 802(d)(2) , Feb. 24, 2016 , 130 Stat. 210 .)

§ 1711 Authorization of appropriations for hiring and training Government personnel

(a) Additional personnel Subject to the availability of appropriations, during each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2006, the Attorney General shall increase the number of inspectors and associated support staff in the Immigration and Naturalization Service by the equivalent of at least 200 full-time employees over the number of inspectors and associated support staff in the Immigration and Naturalization Service authorized by the USA PATRIOT Act. Subject to the availability of appropriations, during each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2006, the Attorney General shall increase the number of investigative and associated support staff of the Immigration and Naturalization Service by the equivalent of at least 200 full-time employees over the number of investigators and associated support staff in the Immigration and Naturalization Service authorized by the USA PATRIOT Act. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection, including such sums as may be necessary to provide facilities, attorney personnel and support staff, and other resources needed to support the increased number of inspectors, investigative staff, and associated support staff.

(b) Authorization of appropriations for INS staffing There are authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Justice such sums as may be necessary to provide an increase in the annual rate of basic pay effective October 1, 2002 — for all journeyman Border Patrol agents and inspectors who have completed at least one year’s service and are receiving an annual rate of basic pay for positions at GS–9 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5 from the annual rate of basic pay payable for positions at GS–9 of the General Schedule under such section 5332, to an annual rate of basic pay payable for positions at GS–11 of the General Schedule under such section 5332; for inspections assistants, from the annual rate of basic pay payable for positions at GS–5 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5 to an annual rate of basic pay payable for positions at GS–7 of the General Schedule under such section 5332; and for the support staff associated with the personnel described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), at the appropriate GS level of the General Schedule under such section 5332.

(c) Authorization of appropriations for training There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary— to appropriately train Immigration and Naturalization Service personnel on an ongoing basis— to ensure that their proficiency levels are acceptable to protect the borders of the United States; and otherwise to enforce and administer the laws within their jurisdiction; to provide adequate continuing cross-training to agencies staffing the United States border and ports of entry to effectively and correctly apply applicable United States laws; to fully train immigration officers to use the appropriate lookout databases and to monitor passenger traffic patterns; and to expand the Carrier Consultant Program described in section 1225a(b) of this title . 2

(d) Authorization of appropriations for consular functions The Secretary of State shall— implement enhanced security measures for the review of visa applicants; staff the facilities and programs associated with the activities described in subparagraph (A); and provide ongoing training for consular officers and diplomatic security agents. There are authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State such sums as may be necessary to carry out paragraph (1).

§ 1712 Authorization of appropriations for improvements in technology and infrastructure

(a) Funding of technology In addition to funds otherwise available for such purpose, there are authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for purposes of— making improvements in technology (including infrastructure support, computer security, and information technology development) for improving border security; expanding, utilizing, and improving technology to improve border security; and facilitating the flow of commerce and persons at ports of entry, including improving and expanding programs for preenrollment and preclearance. Federal agencies involved in border security may waive all or part of enrollment fees for technology-based programs to encourage participation by United States citizens and aliens in such programs. Any agency that waives any part of any such fee may establish its fees for other services at a level that will ensure the recovery from other users of the amounts waived. The Attorney General may, to the extent reasonable, increase land border fees for the issuance of arrival-departure documents to offset technology costs.

(b) Improvement and expansion of INS, State Department, and customs facilities There are authorized to be appropriated to the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Department of State such sums as may be necessary to improve and expand facilities for use by the personnel of those agencies.

“SEC. 5101 ESTABLISHMENT.

“The Secretary of Homeland Security may carry out a pilot program to test various advanced technologies that will improve border security between ports of entry along the northern border of the United States.

“SEC. 5102 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

(“(a) Required Features.— The Secretary of Homeland Security shall design the pilot program under this subtitle to have the following features: Use of advanced technological systems, including sensors, video, and unmanned aerial vehicles, for border surveillance. Use of advanced computing and decision integration software for— evaluation of data indicating border incursions; assessment of threat potential; and rapid real-time communication, monitoring, intelligence gathering, deployment, and response. Testing of advanced technology systems and software to determine best and most cost-effective uses of advanced technology to improve border security. Operation of the program in remote stretches of border lands with long distances between 24-hour ports of entry with a relatively small presence of United States border patrol officers. Capability to expand the program upon a determination by the Secretary that expansion would be an appropriate and cost-effective means of improving border security.

(“(b) Coordination With Other Agencies.— The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the operation of the pilot program under this subtitle— is coordinated among United States, State, local, and Canadian law enforcement and border security agencies; and includes ongoing communication among such agencies.

“SEC. 5103 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

(“(a) Procurement of Advanced Technology.— The Secretary of Homeland Security may enter into contracts for the procurement or use of such advanced technologies as the Secretary determines appropriate for the pilot program under this subtitle.

(“(b) Program Partnerships.— In carrying out the pilot program under this subtitle, the Secretary of Homeland Security may provide for the establishment of cooperative arrangements for participation in the pilot program by such participants as law enforcement and border security agencies referred to in section 5102(b), institutions of higher education, and private sector entities.

“SEC. 5104 REPORT.

(“(a) Requirement for Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 17, 2004 ], the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program under this subtitle.

(“(b) Content.— The report under subsection (a) shall include the following matters: A discussion of the implementation of the pilot program, including the experience under the pilot program. A recommendation regarding whether to expand the pilot program along the entire northern border of the United States and a timeline for the implementation of the expansion.

“SEC. 5105 AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

“There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the pilot program under this subtitle.”

§ 1713 Machine-readable visa fees

(a) Omitted

(b) Fee amount The machine-readable visa fee charged by the Department of State shall be the higher of $65 or the cost of the machine-readable visa service, as determined by the Secretary of State after conducting a study of the cost of such service.

(c) Surcharge The Department of State is authorized to charge a surcharge of $10, in addition to the machine-readable visa fee, for issuing a machine-readable visa in a nonmachine-readable passport.

(d) Availability of collected fees Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts collected as fees described in this section shall be deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account to recover costs of providing consular services. Amounts so credited shall be available, until expended, for the same purposes as the appropriation to which credited.

§ 1714 Surcharges related to consular services

Beginning in fiscal year 2005 and thereafter, the Secretary of State is authorized to charge surcharges related to consular services in support of enhanced border security that are in addition to the passport and immigrant visa fees in effect on January 1, 2004 : Provided , That funds collected pursuant to this authority shall be deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account, and shall be available until expended for the purposes of such account: Provided further , That such surcharges shall be $12onpassportfees,and$45 on immigrant visa fees. ( Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV , Dec. 8, 2004 , 118 Stat. 2896 ; Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, § 7081(c) , May 5, 2017 , 131 Stat. 716 .)

§ 1715 Consular and Border Security Programs

(a) Separate fund There is established in the Treasury a separate fund to be known as the “Consular and Border Security Programs” account into which the following fees shall be deposited for the purposes of the consular and border security programs.

(b) to (g) Omitted

(h) Transfer of funds The unobligated balances of amounts available from fees referenced under this section may be transferred to the Consular and Border Security Programs account. Funds deposited in or transferred to the Consular and Border Security Programs account may be transferred between funds appropriated under the heading “Administration of Foreign Affairs”. The transfer authorities in this section shall be in addition to any other transfer authority available to the Department of State.

(i) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect no later than October 1, 2018 , and shall be implemented in a manner that ensures the fees collected, transferred, and used in fiscal year 2019 can be readily tracked.

§ 1716 State Border Security Reinforcement Fund

There is established, in the Department of Homeland Security, a fund to be known as the “State Border Security Reinforcement Fund.” The Secretary of Homeland Security shall use amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the Fund for grants to eligible States and units of local government for any of the following purposes: Construction or installation of a border wall, border fencing or other barrier, or buoys along the southern border of the United States, which may include planning, procurement of materials, and personnel costs related to such construction or installation. Any work necessary to prepare the ground at or near land borders to allow construction and maintenance of a border wall or other barrier fencing. Detection and interdiction of illicit substances and aliens who have unlawfully entered the United States and have committed a crime under Federal, State, or local law, and transfer or referral of such aliens to the Department of Homeland Security as provided by law. Relocation of aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States from small population centers to other domestic locations. In addition to amounts otherwise available for the purposes described in paragraph (2), there is appropriated for fiscal year 2025, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the Department of Homeland Security for the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund established by paragraph (1), $10,000,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2034 , for qualified expenses for such purposes. The Secretary of Homeland Security may provide grants from the fund established by paragraph (1) to State agencies and units of local governments for expenditures made for completed, ongoing, or new activities, in accordance with law, that occurred on or after January 20, 2021 . Each State desiring to apply for a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the Secretary containing such information in support of the application as the Secretary may require. The Secretary shall require that each State include in its application the purposes for which the State seeks the funds and a description of how the State plans to allocate the funds. The Secretary shall begin to accept applications not later than 90 days after July 4, 2025 . Nothing in this subsection shall authorize any State or local government to exercise immigration or border security authorities reserved exclusively to the Federal Government under the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) or the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.). The Federal Emergency Management Agency may use not more than 1 percent of the funds made available under this subsection for the purpose of administering grants provided for in this section. ( Pub. L. 119–21, title IX, § 90005(b) , July 4, 2025 , 139 Stat. 360 .)

§ 1721 Interim measures for access to and coordination of law enforcement and other information

(a) Interim directive Until the plan required by subsection (c) is implemented, Federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community shall, to the maximum extent practicable, share any information with the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service relevant to the admissibility and deportability of aliens, consistent with the plan described in subsection (c).

(b) Report identifying law enforcement and intelligence information Not later than 120 days after May 14, 2002 , the President shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report identifying Federal law enforcement and the intelligence community information needed by the Department of State to screen visa applicants, or by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to screen applicants for admission to the United States, and to identify those aliens inadmissible or deportable under the Immigration and Nationality Act [ 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.].

(c) Coordination plan Not later than one year after October 26, 2001 , the President shall develop and implement a plan based on the findings of the report under subsection (b) that requires Federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community to provide to the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service all information identified in that report as expeditiously as practicable. In the preparation and implementation of the plan under this subsection, the President shall consult with the appropriate committees of Congress. The plan under this subsection shall establish conditions for using the information described in subsection (b) received by the Department of State and Immigration and Naturalization Service— to limit the redissemination of such information; to ensure that such information is used solely to determine whether to issue a visa to an alien or to determine the admissibility or deportability of an alien to the United States, except as otherwise authorized under Federal law; to ensure the accuracy, security, and confidentiality of such information; to protect any privacy rights of individuals who are subjects of such information; to provide data integrity through the timely removal and destruction of obsolete or erroneous names and information; and in a manner that protects the sources and methods used to acquire intelligence information as required by section 403–3(c)(7) of title 50 . 1 Any person who obtains information under this subsection without authorization or exceeding authorized access (as defined in section 1030(e) of title 18 ), and who uses such information in the manner described in any of the paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 1030(a) of such title, or attempts to use such information in such manner, shall be subject to the same penalties as are applicable under section 1030(c) of such title for violation of that paragraph.

§ 1722 Interoperable law enforcement and intelligence data system with name-matching capacity and training

(a) Interoperable law enforcement and intelligence electronic data system The Immigration and Naturalization Service shall fully integrate all databases and data systems maintained by the Service that process or contain information on aliens. The fully integrated data system shall be an interoperable component of the electronic data system described in paragraph (2). Upon the date of commencement of implementation of the plan required by section 1721(c) of this title , the President shall develop and implement an interoperable electronic data system to provide current and immediate access to information in databases of Federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community that is relevant to determine whether to issue a visa or to determine the admissibility or deportability of an alien (also known as the “Chimera system”). In the development and implementation of the data system under this subsection, the President shall consult with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and any such other agency as may be deemed appropriate. The data system developed and implemented under this subsection, and the databases referred to in paragraph (2), shall utilize the technology standard established pursuant to section 1379 of this title . Subject to paragraph (6), information in the data system under this subsection shall be readily and easily accessible— to any consular officer responsible for the issuance of visas; to any Federal official responsible for determining an alien’s admissibility to or deportability from the United States; and to any Federal law enforcement or intelligence officer determined by regulation to be responsible for the investigation or identification of aliens. The President shall, in accordance with applicable Federal laws, establish procedures to restrict access to intelligence information in the data system under this subsection, and the databases referred to in paragraph (2), under circumstances in which such information is not to be disclosed directly to Government officials under paragraph (5).

(b) Name-search capacity and support The interoperable electronic data system required by subsection (a) shall— have the capacity to compensate for disparate name formats among the different databases referred to in subsection (a); be searchable on a linguistically sensitive basis; provide adequate user support; to the extent practicable, utilize commercially available technology; and be adjusted and improved, based upon experience with the databases and improvements in the underlying technologies and sciences, on a continuing basis. To satisfy the requirement of paragraph (1)(B), the interoperable electronic database shall be searchable based on linguistically sensitive algorithms that— account for variations in name formats and transliterations, including varied spellings and varied separation or combination of name elements, within a particular language; and incorporate advanced linguistic, mathematical, statistical, and anthropological research and methods. Linguistically sensitive algorithms shall be developed and implemented for no fewer than 4 languages designated as high priorities by the Secretary of State, after consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of Central Intelligence. Of the 4 linguistically sensitive algorithms required to be developed and implemented under clause (i)— the highest priority language algorithms shall be implemented within 18 months after May 14, 2002 ; and an additional language algorithm shall be implemented each succeeding year for the next three years. The Secretary of State and the Attorney General shall jointly prescribe procedures to ensure that consular and immigration officers can, as required, obtain assistance in resolving identity and other questions that may arise about the names of aliens seeking visas or admission to the United States that may be subject to variations in format, transliteration, or other similar phenomenon. Six months after May 14, 2002 , the President shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress on the progress in implementing each requirement of this section. Not later than 60 days after May 14, 2002 , the Director of Central Intelligence shall complete the survey and issue the report previously required by section 309(a) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 ( 50 U.S.C. 403–3 note). 1 Not later than 120 days after May 14, 2002 , the Director of Central Intelligence shall issue the guidelines and submit the copy of those guidelines previously required by section 309(b) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this subsection.

§ 1723 Commission on Interoperable Data Sharing

(a) Establishment Not later than one year after October 26, 2001 , the President shall establish a Commission on Interoperable Data Sharing (in this section referred to as the “Commission”). The purposes of the Commission shall be to— monitor the protections described in section 1721(c)(3) of this title ; provide oversight of the interoperable electronic data system described in section 1722 of this title ; and report to Congress annually on the Commission’s findings and recommendations.

(b) Composition The Commission shall consist of nine members, who shall be appointed by the President, as follows: One member, who shall serve as Chair of the Commission. Eight members, who shall be appointed from a list of nominees jointly provided by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(c) Considerations The Commission shall consider recommendations regarding the following issues: Adequate protection of privacy concerns inherent in the design, implementation, or operation of the interoperable electronic data system. Timely adoption of security innovations, consistent with generally accepted security standards, to protect the integrity and confidentiality of information to prevent the risks of accidental or unauthorized loss, access, destruction, use modification, or disclosure of information. The adequacy of mechanisms to permit the timely correction of errors in data maintained by the interoperable data system. Other protections against unauthorized use of data to guard against the misuse of the interoperable data system or the data maintained by the system, including recommendations for modifications to existing laws and regulations to sanction misuse of the system.

(d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

§ 1724 Personnel management authorities for positions involved in the development and implementation of the interoperable electronic data system (“Chimera system”)

(a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to position classification or employee pay or performance, the Attorney General may hire and fix the compensation of necessary scientific, technical, engineering, and other analytical personnel for the purpose of the development and implementation of the interoperable electronic data system described in section 1722(a)(2) of this title (also known as the “Chimera system”).

(b) Limitation on rate of pay Except as otherwise provided by law, no employee compensated under subsection (a) may be paid at a rate in excess of the rate payable for a position at level III of the Executive Schedule.

(c) Limitation on total calendar year payments Total payments to employees under any system established under this section shall be subject to the limitation on payments to employees under section 5307 of title 5 .

(d) Operating plan Not later than 90 days after May 14, 2002 , the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives an operating plan— describing the Attorney General’s intended use of the authority under this section; and identifying any provisions of title 5 being waived for purposes of the development and implementation of the Chimera system.

(e) Termination date The authority of this section shall terminate upon the implementation of the Chimera system.

§ 1731 Implementation of an integrated entry and exit data system

(a) Development of system In developing the integrated entry and exit data system for the ports of entry, as required by the Immigration and Naturalization Service Data Management Improvement Act of 2000 ( Public Law 106–215 ), the Attorney General and the Secretary of State shall— implement, fund, and use a technology standard under section 1379 of this title at United States ports of entry and at consular posts abroad; establish a database containing the arrival and departure data from machine-readable visas, passports, and other travel and entry documents possessed by aliens; and make interoperable all security databases relevant to making determinations of admissibility under section 1182 of this title .

(b) Implementation In implementing the provisions of subsection (a), the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Department of State shall— utilize technologies that facilitate the lawful and efficient cross-border movement of commerce and persons without compromising the safety and security of the United States; and consider implementing the North American National Security Program described in section 1751 of this title .

§ 1732 Machine-readable, tamper-resistant entry and exit documents

(a) Report Not later than 180 days after May 14, 2002 , the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), acting jointly, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a comprehensive report assessing the actions that will be necessary, and the considerations to be taken into account, to achieve fully, not later than October 26, 2004 — implementation of the requirements of subsections (b) and (c); and deployment of the equipment and software to allow biometric comparison and authentication of the documents described in subsections (b) and (c). In addition to the assessment required by paragraph (1), the report required by that paragraph shall include an estimate of the costs to be incurred, and the personnel, man-hours, and other support required, by the Department of Justice, the Department of State, and NIST to achieve the objectives of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1).

(b) Requirements Not later than October 26, 2004 , the Attorney General and the Secretary of State shall issue to aliens only machine-readable, tamper-resistant visas and other travel and entry documents that use biometric identifiers. The Attorney General and the Secretary of State shall jointly establish document authentication standards and biometric identifiers standards to be employed on such visas and other travel and entry documents from among those biometric identifiers recognized by domestic and international standards organizations. Not later than October 26, 2005 , the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall install at all ports of entry of the United States equipment and software to allow biometric comparison and authentication of all United States visas and other travel and entry documents issued to aliens, and passports issued pursuant to subsection (c)(1). The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall utilize biometric data readers and scanners that— domestic and international standards organizations determine to be highly accurate when used to verify identity; can read the biometric identifiers utilized under subsections (b)(1) and (c)(1); and can authenticate the document presented to verify identity. The systems employed to implement paragraphs (1) and (2) shall utilize the technology standard established pursuant to section 1379 of this title .

(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 114–113, div. O, title II, § 202(c), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2989

(d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section, including reimbursement to international and domestic standards organizations.

§ 1733 Terrorist lookout committees

(a) Establishment The Secretary of State shall require a terrorist lookout committee to be maintained within each United States mission to a foreign country.

(b) Purpose The purpose of each committee established under subsection (a) shall be— to utilize the cooperative resources of all elements of the United States mission in the country in which the consular post is located to identify known or potential terrorists and to develop information on those individuals; to ensure that such information is routinely and consistently brought to the attention of appropriate United States officials for use in administering the immigration laws of the United States; and to ensure that the names of known and suspected terrorists are entered into the appropriate lookout databases.

(c) Composition; chair The Secretary shall establish rules governing the composition of such committees.

(d) Meetings Each committee established under subsection (a) shall meet at least monthly to share information pertaining to the committee’s purpose as described in subsection (b)(2).

(e) Periodic reports to the Secretary of State Each committee established under subsection (a) shall submit monthly reports to the Secretary of State describing the committee’s activities, whether or not information on known or suspected terrorists was developed during the month.

(f) Repealed. Pub. L. 113–235, div. J, title VII, § 7034(i), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2624

(g) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to implement this section.

§ 1734 Improved training for consular officers

(a) Training The Secretary of State shall require that all consular officers responsible for adjudicating visa applications, before undertaking to perform consular responsibilities, receive specialized training in the effective screening of visa applicants who pose a potential threat to the safety or security of the United States. Such officers shall be specially and extensively trained in the identification of aliens inadmissible under section 1182(a)(3)(A) and (B) of this title, interagency and international intelligence sharing regarding terrorists and terrorism, and cultural-sensitivity toward visa applicants. In accordance with section 1776 of this title , and as part of the consular training provided to such officers by the Secretary of State, such officers shall also receive training in detecting fraudulent documents and general document forensics and shall be required as part of such training to work with immigration officers conducting inspections of applicants for admission into the United States at ports of entry.

(b) Use of foreign intelligence information As an ongoing component of the training required in subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall coordinate with the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, Federal law enforcement agencies, and the intelligence community to compile and disseminate to the Bureau of Consular Affairs reports, bulletins, updates, and other current unclassified information relevant to terrorists and terrorism and to screening visa applicants who pose a potential threat to the safety or security of the United States.

(c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to implement this section.

§ 1735 Restriction on issuance of visas to nonimmigrants from countries that are state sponsors of international terrorism

(a) In general No nonimmigrant visa under section 1101(a)(15) of this title shall be issued to any alien from a country that is a state sponsor of international terrorism unless the Secretary of State determines, in consultation with the Attorney General and the heads of other appropriate United States agencies, that such alien does not pose a threat to the safety or national security of the United States. In making a determination under this subsection, the Secretary of State shall apply standards developed by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General and the heads of other appropriate United States agencies, that are applicable to the nationals of such states.

(b) State sponsor of international terrorism defined In this section, the term “state sponsor of international terrorism” means any country the government of which has been determined by the Secretary of State under any of the laws specified in paragraph (2) to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. The laws specified in this paragraph are the following: Section 4605(j)(1)(A) of title 50 (or successor statute). 1 Section 2780(d) of title 22 . Section 2371(a) of title 22 .

§ 1736 Check of lookout databases

Prior to the admission of an alien under the visa waiver program established under section 1187 of this title , the Immigration and Naturalization Service shall determine that the applicant for admission does not appear in any of the appropriate lookout databases available to immigration inspectors at the time the alien seeks admission to the United States. ( Pub. L. 107–173, title III, § 307(b) , May 14, 2002 , 116 Stat. 556 .)

§ 1737 Tracking system for stolen passports

(a) Entering stolen passport identification numbers in the interoperable data system Beginning with implementation under section 1722 of this title of the law enforcement and intelligence data system, not later than 72 hours after receiving notification of the loss or theft of a United States or foreign passport, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, as appropriate, shall enter into such system the corresponding identification number for the lost or stolen passport. To the extent practicable, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall enter into such system the corresponding identification numbers for the United States and foreign passports lost or stolen prior to the implementation of such system.

(b) Transition period Until such time as the law enforcement and intelligence data system described in section 1722 of this title is fully implemented, the Attorney General shall enter the data described in subsection (a) into an existing data system being used to determine the admissibility or deportability of aliens.

§ 1738 Identification documents for certain newly admitted aliens

Not later than 180 days after May 14, 2002 , the Attorney General shall ensure that, immediately upon the arrival in the United States of an individual admitted under section 1157 of this title , or immediately upon an alien being granted asylum under section 1158 of this title , the alien will be issued an employment authorization document. Such document shall, at a minimum, contain the fingerprint and photograph of such alien. ( Pub. L. 107–173, title III, § 309 , May 14, 2002 , 116 Stat. 556 .)

§ 1751 Study of the feasibility of a North American National Security Program

(a) In general The President shall conduct a study of the feasibility of establishing a North American National Security Program to enhance the mutual security and safety of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

(b) Study elements In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the President shall consider the following: The feasibility of establishing a program enabling foreign national travelers to the United States to submit voluntarily to a preclearance procedure established by the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to determine whether such travelers are admissible to the United States under section 1182 of this title . Consideration shall be given to the feasibility of expanding the preclearance program to include the preclearance both of foreign nationals traveling to Canada and foreign nationals traveling to Mexico. The feasibility of expanding preinspection facilities at foreign airports as described in section 1225a of this title . Consideration shall be given to the feasibility of expanding preinspections to foreign nationals on air flights destined for Canada and Mexico, and the cross training and funding of inspectors from Canada and Mexico. A determination of the measures necessary to ensure that the conditions required by section 1225a(a)(5) of this title are satisfied, including consultation with experts recognized for their expertise regarding the conditions required by that section.

(c) Report Not later than 1 year after May 14, 2002 , the President shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).

(d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

§ 1752 Staffing levels at ports of entry

The Immigration and Naturalization Service shall staff ports of entry at such levels that would be adequate to meet traffic flow and inspection time objectives efficiently without compromising the safety and security of the United States. Estimated staffing levels under workforce models for the Immigration and Naturalization Service shall be based on the goal of providing immigration services described in section 1356(g) of this title within 45 minutes of a passenger’s presentation for inspection. ( Pub. L. 107–173, title IV, § 403(b) , May 14, 2002 , 116 Stat. 559 .)

§ 1752a Model ports-of-entry

(a) In general The Secretary of Homeland Security shall— establish a model ports-of-entry program for the purpose of providing a more efficient and welcoming international arrival process in order to facilitate and promote business and tourist travel to the United States, while also improving security; and implement the program initially at the 20 United States international airports that have the highest number of foreign visitors arriving annually as of August 3, 2007 .

(b) Program elements The program shall include— enhanced queue management in the Federal Inspection Services area leading up to primary inspection; assistance for foreign travelers once they have been admitted to the United States, in consultation, as appropriate, with relevant governmental and nongovernmental entities; and instructional videos, in English and such other languages as the Secretary determines appropriate, in the Federal Inspection Services area that explain the United States inspection process and feature national, regional, or local welcome videos.

(c) Additional Customs and Border Protection officers for high-volume ports Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than the end of fiscal year 2008 the Secretary of Homeland Security shall employ not fewer than an additional 200 Customs and Border Protection officers over the number of such positions for which funds were appropriated for the proceeding fiscal year to address staff shortages at the 20 United States international airports that have the highest number of foreign visitors arriving annually as of August 3, 2007 .

§ 1753 Joint United States-Canada projects for alternative inspections services

(a) In general United States border inspections agencies, including the Immigration and Naturalization Service, acting jointly and under an agreement of cooperation with the Government of Canada, may conduct joint United States-Canada inspections projects on the international border between the two countries. Each such project may provide alternative inspections services and shall undertake to harmonize the criteria for inspections applied by the two countries in implementing those projects.

(b) Annual report The Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury shall prepare and submit annually to Congress a report on the joint United States-Canada inspections projects conducted under subsection (a).

(c) Exemption from Administrative Procedure Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the “Administrative Procedure Act”) and chapter 35 of title 44 (commonly referred to as the “Paperwork Reduction Act”) shall not apply to fee setting for services and other administrative requirements relating to projects described in subsection (a), except that fees and forms established for such projects shall be published as a notice in the Federal Register.

§ 1761 Foreign student monitoring program

(a) Omitted

(b) Information required of the visa applicant Prior to the issuance of a visa under subparagraph (F), subparagraph (M), or, with respect to an alien seeking to attend an approved institution of higher education, subparagraph (J) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title , each alien applying for such visa shall provide to a consular officer the following information: The alien’s address in the country of origin. The names and addresses of the alien’s spouse, children, parents, and siblings. The names of contacts of the alien in the alien’s country of residence who could verify information about the alien. Previous work history, if any, including the names and addresses of employers.

(c) Transitional program Not later than 120 days after May 14, 2002 , and until such time as the system described in section 1372 of this title is fully implemented, the following requirements shall apply: A visa may not be issued to an alien under subparagraph (F), subparagraph (M), or, with respect to an alien seeking to attend an approved institution of higher education, subparagraph (J) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title , unless— the Department of State has received from an approved institution of higher education or other approved educational institution electronic evidence of documentation of the alien’s acceptance at that institution; and the consular officer has adequately reviewed the applicant’s visa record. Upon the issuance of a visa under section 1101(a)(15)(F) or (M) of this title to an alien, the Secretary of State shall transmit to the Immigration and Naturalization Service a notification of the issuance of that visa. The Immigration and Naturalization Service shall notify the approved institution of higher education or other approved educational institution that an alien accepted for such institution or program has been admitted to the United States. Not later than 30 days after the deadline for registering for classes for an academic term, the approved institution of higher education or other approved educational institution shall inform the Immigration and Naturalization Service through data-sharing arrangements of any failure of any alien described in subparagraph (C) to enroll or to commence participation. Not later than 30 days after May 14, 2002 , the Attorney General shall provide the Secretary of State with a list of all approved institutions of higher education and other approved educational institutions that are authorized to receive nonimmigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(F) or (M) of this title. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.

§ 1762 Review of institutions and other entities authorized to enroll or sponsor certain nonimmigrants

(a) Periodic review of compliance Not later than two years after May 14, 2002 , and every two years thereafter, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall conduct a review of the institutions certified to receive nonimmigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(F), (M), or (J) of this title. Each review shall determine whether the institutions are in compliance with— recordkeeping and reporting requirements to receive nonimmigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(F), (M), or (J) of this title; and recordkeeping and reporting requirements under section 1372 of this title .

(b) Periodic review of sponsors of exchange visitors Not later than two years after May 14, 2002 , and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of State shall conduct a review of the entities designated to sponsor exchange visitor program participants under section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title . On the basis of reviews of entities under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall determine whether the entities are in compliance with— recordkeeping and reporting requirements to receive nonimmigrant exchange visitor program participants under section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title ; and recordkeeping and reporting requirements under section 1372 of this title .

(c) Effect of material failure to comply Material failure of an institution or other entity to comply with the recordkeeping and reporting requirements to receive nonimmigrant students or exchange visitor program participants under section 1101(a)(15)(F), (M), or (J) of this title, or section 1372 of this title , shall result in the suspension for at least one year or termination, at the election of the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, of the institution’s approval to receive such students, or result in the suspension for at least one year or termination, at the election of the Secretary of State, of the other entity’s designation to sponsor exchange visitor program participants, as the case may be.

§ 1771 General Accounting Office study

(a) Requirement for study The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility and utility of implementing a requirement that each nonimmigrant alien in the United States submit to the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization each year a current address and, where applicable, the name and address of an employer. In paragraph (1), the term “nonimmigrant alien” means an alien described in section 1101(a)(15) of this title .

(b) Report Not later than 1 year after May 14, 2002 , the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the study under subsection (a). The report shall include the Comptroller General’s findings, together with any recommendations that the Comptroller General considers appropriate.

§ 1772 International cooperation

(a) International electronic data system The Secretary of State and the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, shall jointly conduct a study of the alternative approaches (including the costs of, and procedures necessary for, each alternative approach) for encouraging or requiring Canada, Mexico, and countries treated as visa waiver program countries under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [ 8 U.S.C. 1187 ] to develop an intergovernmental network of interoperable electronic data systems that— facilitates real-time access to that country’s law enforcement and intelligence information that is needed by the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to screen visa applicants and applicants for admission into the United States to identify aliens who are inadmissible or deportable under the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.); is interoperable with the electronic data system implemented under section 1722 of this title ; and performs in accordance with implementation of the technology standard referred to in section 1722(a) of this title .

(b) Report Not later than 1 year after May 14, 2002 , the Secretary of State and the Attorney General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).

§ 1773 Statutory construction

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impose requirements that are inconsistent with the USMCA (as defined in section 4502 of title 19 ) or to require additional documents for aliens for whom documentary requirements are waived under section 1182(d)(4)(B) of this title . ( Pub. L. 107–173, title VI, § 604 , May 14, 2002 , 116 Stat. 565 ; Pub. L. 116–113, title V, § 503(d)(2) , Jan. 29, 2020 , 134 Stat. 72 .)

§ 1774 Annual report on aliens who fail to appear after release on own recognizance

(a) Requirement for report Not later than January 15 of each year, the Attorney General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the total number of aliens who, during the preceding year, failed to attend a removal proceeding after having been arrested outside a port of entry, served a notice to appear under section 1229(a)(1) of this title , and released on the alien’s own recognizance. The report shall also take into account the number of cases in which there were defects in notices of hearing or the service of notices of hearing, together with a description and analysis of the effects, if any, that the defects had on the attendance of aliens at the proceedings.

(b) Initial report Notwithstanding the time for submission of the annual report provided in subsection (a), the report for 2001 shall be submitted not later than 6 months after May 14, 2002 .

§ 1775 Retention of nonimmigrant visa applications by the Department of State

The Department of State shall retain, for a period of seven years from the date of application, every application for a nonimmigrant visa under section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15) ) in a form that will be admissible in the courts of the United States or in administrative proceedings, including removal proceedings under such Act [ 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.], without regard to whether the application was approved or denied. ( Pub. L. 107–173, title VI, § 606 , May 14, 2002 , 116 Stat. 565 .)

§ 1776 Training program

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall— review and evaluate the training regarding travel and identity documents, and techniques, patterns, and trends associated with terrorist travel that is provided to personnel of the Department of Homeland Security; in coordination with the Secretary of State, review and evaluate the training described in subparagraph (A) that is provided to relevant personnel of the Department of State; and in coordination with the Secretary of State, develop and implement an initial training and periodic retraining program— to teach border, immigration, and consular officials (who inspect or review travel or identity documents as part of their official duties) how to effectively detect, intercept, and disrupt terrorist travel; and to ensure that the officials described in clause (i) regularly receive the most current information on such matters and are periodically retrained on the matters described in paragraph (2). The training program developed under paragraph (1)(C) shall include training in— methods for identifying fraudulent and genuine travel documents; methods for detecting terrorist indicators on travel documents and other relevant identity documents; recognition of travel patterns, tactics, and behaviors exhibited by terrorists; effective utilization of information contained in databases and data systems available to the Department of Homeland Security; and other topics determined to be appropriate by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State or the Director of National Intelligence. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide all border and immigration officials who inspect or review travel or identity documents as part of their official duties with the training described in paragraph (1)(C). Not later than 12 months after December 17, 2004 , and annually thereafter for a period of 3 years, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report to Congress that— describes the number of border and immigration officials who inspect or review identity documents as part of their official duties, and the proportion of whom have received the revised training program described in paragraph (1)(C)(i); explains the reasons, if any, for not completing the requisite training described in paragraph (1)(C)(i); provides a timetable for completion of the training described in paragraph (1)(C)(i) for those who have not received such training; and describes the status of periodic retraining of appropriate personnel described in paragraph (1)(C)(ii). The Secretary of State shall provide all consular officers who inspect or review travel or identity documents as part of their official duties with the training described in paragraph (1)(C). Not later than 12 months after December 17, 2004 , and annually thereafter for a period of 3 years, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to Congress that— describes the number of consular officers who inspect or review travel or identity documents as part of their official duties, and the proportion of whom have received the revised training program described in paragraph (1)(C)(i); explains the reasons, if any, for not completing the requisite training described in paragraph (1)(C)(i); provides a timetable for completion of the training described in paragraph (1)(C)(i) for those who have not received such training; and describes the status of periodic retraining of appropriate personnel described in paragraph (1)(C)(ii). The Secretary of Homeland Security may assist States, Indian tribes, local governments, and private organizations to establish training programs related to terrorist travel intelligence. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2005 through 2009 to carry out the provisions of this section. ( Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, § 7201(d) , Dec. 17, 2004 , 118 Stat. 3811 .)

§ 1777 Establishment of Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center

(a) Establishment There is established a Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center (referred to in this section as the “Center”).

(b) Operation The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General shall operate the Center in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding entitled, “Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center (HSTC), Charter”.

(c) Functions In addition to such other responsibilities as the President may assign, the Center shall— serve as the focal point for interagency efforts to integrate and disseminate intelligence and information related to terrorist travel; serve as a clearinghouse with respect to all relevant information from all Federal Government agencies in support of the United States strategy to prevent separate, but related, issues of clandestine terrorist travel and facilitation of migrant smuggling and trafficking of persons; ensure cooperation among all relevant policy, law enforcement, diplomatic, and intelligence agencies of the Federal Government to improve effectiveness and to convert all information available to the Federal Government relating to clandestine terrorist travel and facilitation, migrant smuggling, and trafficking of persons into tactical, operational, and strategic intelligence that can be used to combat such illegal activities; and prepare and submit to Congress, on an annual basis, a strategic assessment regarding vulnerabilities in the United States and foreign travel system that may be exploited by international terrorists, human smugglers and traffickers, and their facilitators.

(d) Director The Secretary of Homeland Security shall nominate an official of the Government of the United States to serve as the Director of the Center, in accordance with the requirements of the memorandum of understanding entitled the “Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center (HSTC) Charter”.

(e) Staffing of the Center The Secretary of Homeland Security, in cooperation with heads of other relevant agencies and departments, shall ensure that the Center is staffed with not fewer than 40 full-time equivalent positions, including, as appropriate, detailees from the following: Agencies and offices within the Department of Homeland Security, including the following: The Office of Intelligence and Analysis. The Transportation Security Administration. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. United States Customs and Border Protection. The United States Coast Guard. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Other departments, agencies, or entities, including the following: The Central Intelligence Agency. The Department of Defense. The Department of the Treasury. The National Counterterrorism Center. The National Security Agency. The Department of Justice. The Department of State. Any other relevant agency or department. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the head of each agency, department, or other entity referred to in paragraph (1), shall ensure that the detailees provided to the Center under such paragraph include an adequate number of personnel who are— intelligence analysts or special agents with demonstrated experience related to human smuggling, trafficking in persons, or terrorist travel; and personnel with experience in the areas of— consular affairs; counterterrorism; criminal law enforcement; intelligence analysis; prevention and detection of document fraud; border inspection; immigration enforcement; or human trafficking and combating severe forms of trafficking in persons. The Secretary of Homeland Security, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall prescribe regulations or promulgate personnel policies to provide incentives for service on the staff of the Center, particularly for serving terms of at least two years duration. Incentives under clause (i) may include financial incentives, bonuses, and such other awards and incentives as the Secretary and the heads of other relevant agencies, 1 consider appropriate. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall ensure that personnel who are assigned or detailed to service at the Center shall be considered for promotion at rates equivalent to or better than similarly situated personnel of such agencies who are not so assigned or detailed, except that this subparagraph shall not apply in the case of personnel who are subject to the provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [ 22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.].

(f) Administrative support and funding The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide to the Center the administrative support and funding required for its maintenance, including funding for personnel, leasing of office space, supplies, equipment, technology, training, and travel expenses necessary for the Center to carry out its functions.

(g) Report Not later than 180 days after December 17, 2004 , the President shall transmit to Congress a report regarding the implementation of this section, including a description of the staffing and resource needs of the Center. Not later than 180 days after August 3, 2007 , the President shall transmit to Congress a report regarding the operation of the Center and the activities carried out by the Center, including a description of— the roles and responsibilities of each agency or department that is participating in the Center; the mechanisms used to share information among each such agency or department; the personnel provided to the Center by each such agency or department; the type of information and reports being disseminated by the Center; any efforts by the Center to create a centralized Federal Government database to store information related to unlawful travel of foreign nationals, including a description of any such database and of the manner in which information utilized in such a database would be collected, stored, and shared; how each agency and department shall utilize its resources to ensure that the Center uses intelligence to focus and drive its efforts; efforts to consolidate networked systems for the Center; the mechanisms for the sharing of homeland security information from the Center to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, including how such sharing shall be consistent with section 485(b) of title 6 ; the ability of participating personnel in the Center to freely access necessary databases and share information regarding issues related to human smuggling, trafficking in persons, and terrorist travel; how the assignment of personnel to the Center is incorporated into the civil service career path of such personnel; and cooperation and coordination efforts, including any memorandums of understanding, among participating agencies and departments regarding issues related to human smuggling, trafficking in persons, and terrorist travel.

(h) Relationship to the NCTC As part of its mission to combat terrorist travel, the Center shall work to support the efforts of the National Counterterrorism Center.

(i) Coordination with the Office of Intelligence and Analysis The Office of Intelligence and Analysis, in coordination with the Center, shall submit to relevant State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies periodic reports regarding terrorist threats related to human smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorist travel.

§ 1778 Vulnerability and threat assessment

(a) Study The Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology and the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, shall study the technology, equipment, and personnel needed to address security vulnerabilities within the United States for each field office of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection that has responsibility for any portion of the United States borders with Canada and Mexico. The Under Secretary shall conduct follow-up studies at least once every 5 years.

(b) Report to Congress The Under Secretary shall submit a report to Congress on the Under Secretary’s findings and conclusions from each study conducted under subsection (a) together with legislative recommendations, as appropriate, for addressing any security vulnerabilities found by the study.

(c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security Directorate of Border and Transportation Security such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2006 through 2011 to carry out any such recommendations from the first study conducted under subsection (a).