RIYADH, 7 November 2003 — The US Department of Homeland Security has opened an office in the US Embassy here as part of its effort to review visa applications and prevent potential terrorists from visiting the US.
Asa Hutchinson, US undersecretary for border and transportation security, told Arab News a branch office would also be set up in the US Consulate General in Jeddah. The DHS personnel have the final say in visa approval. Their decision will be based on input from the visa applications themselves and background checks of the applicant.
Similar offices will be opened in other US diplomatic missions around the world under a phased program, Hutchinson added.
Hutchinson met with senior government officials to listen to their concerns over visa restrictions and their impact on air travel to the US.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, the number of students pursuing higher studies dropped by 25 percent each from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and 15 percent from the UAE. Overall, there was a 10 percent fall in enrollment from the Middle East.
Hutchinson said the main objective of his visit was to address the concerns of legitimate travelers to the US and to reassure them that the US would continue to welcome bonafide visitors traveling to that country whether as businessmen, students, or as tourists.
“The Kingdom is extending full cooperation in combating terrorism and joint efforts in the war against terror are expanding significantly,” he said.
According to the undersecretary, the centerpiece of this program is the US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) that will become operational on Jan. 5, 2004.
The US-VISIT program received $380 million this year, while a $330 million budget has been allocated for next year. A total of 115 airports in 14 major seaports in the US will be covered by the program by early next year.
Hutchinson said a new inkless fingerprint scanner would also be used. While fingerprinting is in progress, visitors will have their picture taken.
He said the new measures would expedite visa procedures, particularly in the case of official or business trips being arranged at short notice. Those in need of medical treatment would also be given special consideration.
However, the measures mainly aim to deter terrorists. “We are mindful of the fact that (Al-Qaeda) will look to other openings that they can exploit. However, our increased security measures in the US have prevented terrorists from coming into the country. As a result, we have been able to dismantle some of their terrorist cells. Such people will continue to be the focus of our energy and attention,” he said.
Hutchinson said that the fingerprint data collected at entry points would be treated in strict confidence and made available to DHS personnel only when required.
