Key Takeaways:
- CBP proposes a new program for nonimmigrants to document exits using biographic data, facial images, and geolocation via CBP One app.
- Updates to ESTA will include “selfie” verification to ensure the travel document’s rightful owner and enhance application security.
- Public comments on the proposed changes can be submitted until May 30, 2024, potentially improving the programs’ effectiveness.
What Changes is CBP Proposing for the I-94 and ESTA Systems?
Since 2004, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been working to streamline the systems that track the entry and exit of nonimmigrants to and from the United States. Despite these efforts, there hasn’t been an easy-to-use system for collecting exit data. Existing methods to report departure are often seen as burdensome, impractical, and inconvenient.
How Will the New Program Help Nonimmigrants Document Their Exits?
CBP is inviting public comment on a new program designed to simplify the documentation of exits for those subject to I-94 requirements. The comment period ends on May 30, 2024. To submit comments, follow the instructions in the Federal Register.
This new program will allow nonimmigrants to voluntarily provide biographic data, facial images, and geolocation information as proof of their departure. They can use the CBP One mobile application to submit biographic details from their passports along with a live “selfie” photograph after leaving the United States. Geolocation services will confirm they are outside the U.S., and the “live” photograph will be compared to images already retained by CBP to further verify their exit.
Who is Subject to I-94 Requirements?
According to CBP, most visitors are subject to I-94 requirements, except for:
– U.S. citizens
– Returning resident aliens
– Aliens with immigrant visas
– Most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit
This means that most nonimmigrants will benefit from the new program, making it easier to document their timely exits from the United States.
Why is the New Program Important?
Besides aiding CBP, this new program will be beneficial for nonimmigrants who need to prove they exited the United States on time. It’s a valuable tool for those who might need to convince CBP officers that they didn’t overstay their welcome.
What Changes are Being Made to the ESTA System?
CBP is also planning updates to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The system is used by nonimmigrants from the 41 visa waiver countries seeking to enter the U.S. as visitors without a visa. The updates will include the addition of “selfie” information to ensure the applicant is the rightful owner of the travel document used for ESTA.
Since third parties can apply for ESTA on someone else’s behalf, these updates mean that third parties will also need to provide a photograph of the applicant. This step aims to enhance security and authenticity within the ESTA application process.
How Can You Participate in the Public Comment Period?
To take part in shaping these changes, you can submit your comments until May 30, 2024. Your feedback could help improve the proposed program, making it more effective for everyone involved.
Summary
In summary, CBP is working on significant updates to the I-94 and ESTA systems to make the documentation process for nonimmigrant exits more efficient and less cumbersome. These updates promise to enhance the travel experience for those subject to I-94 requirements and improve the security of the ESTA application process.
For more detailed information on immigration procedures, you can visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
These changes reflect CBP’s ongoing commitment to improving the systems that manage the entry and exit of nonimmigrants, ensuring a smoother and more reliable process for all travelers.
Learn Today:
- I-94: An Arrival-Departure Record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to foreign visitors entering the United States. It is used to document the arrival and departure of nonimmigrants, such as tourists, students, and temporary workers.
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ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries to travel to the United States for short stays without obtaining a visa.
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Biographic Data: Information relating to an individual’s personal details, such as name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information. In the context of immigration, biographic data is used to identify and verify the identity of travelers.
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Geolocation Information: Data that identifies the geographic location of an individual. In immigration processes, geolocation information can be used to confirm a traveler’s physical presence outside the U.S. and verify their compliance with entry and exit requirements.
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Public Comment Period: A designated timeframe during which the public can submit feedback, opinions, and suggestions on proposed government regulations or programs. Input received during this period is considered in the decision-making process before finalizing policies or initiatives related to immigration matters.
This Article In A Nutshell:
CBP’s proposing a new, user-friendly exit documentation program for nonimmigrants subject to I-94 requirements, making it easier to prove timely departure from the U.S. This includes facial images and geolocation data submission via the CBP One app. Updates to ESTA will require a “selfie” for better applicant verification. Share feedback till May 30, 2024.
— By VisaVerge.com
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