Border Security Visa Process Should Be Strengthened As an Antiterrorism Tool

In FY 2001, State Dept. consular officers issued 7.6 million visas to citizens of other countries seeking to enter the U.S. temp'y. for bus., tourism, & other reasons. Because all 19 of the 9/11 terrorist hijackers were issued visas, strengthening the visa function as an antiterrorism tool has taken on great significance. This report assesses: how the visa process operated prior to 9/11; & what changes have occurred since then to strengthen the process as a screen against terrorists. Analyzed the factors influencing visa decisions, including the policies & guidance for, & pressures on, consular officers; the U.S. government's process for checking visa applicants against available security & intelligence data; & staffing & resource issues. Charts & tables.Ford, Jess T. is the author of 'Border Security Visa Process Should Be Strengthened As an Antiterrorism Tool' with ISBN 9780756732219 and ISBN 0756732212.