What are the laws authorizing the US-VISIT Program?
The principal law that mandates the creation of an automated entry exit system that integrates electronic alien arrival and departure information is the Immigration and Naturalization Service Data Management Improvement Act of 2000 (DMIA).DMIA amended previous legislative requirements for an entry exit system that would record the arrival and departure of every alien who crosses the US borders.DMIA requires that the entry exit system consist of the integration of all authorized or required alien arrival and departure data that is maintained in electronic format in Department of Justice (now Department of Homeland Security) and Department of State databases. This integrated entry exit system must be implemented at all air and sea ports of entry by December 31, 2003 using available air and sea alien arrival and departure data as described in the statute.
