Visa application information to be shared with FBI, police

In a continuing effort to combat terrorism, information contained in visa applications will soon be shared with law enforcement agencies all over the United States, through a massive computer system link-up of various security and enforcement offices nationwide. The link-up is expected to be operational by March 2003.

Once the link-up becomes operational, law enforcement officials across the country will have access to a database of 50 million overseas applications for U.S. visas, providing personal information, such as the visa applicant’s home address, date of birth, passport number and names of relatives in the U.S. and will include the photographs of over 20 million people. It will allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies to immediately make a background check on the applicant, to stop terrorist and criminal suspects from entering the country, and to monitor movements of suspected visa holders and applicants.

The computer link-up is part of the ongoing efforts of federal authorities to beef up the security of the United States in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The key component of the system is the State Dept’s huge visa database of visa applicants. Before, that visa information was shared only with INS. Now, other law enforcement agencies will have access to that information.

Federal authorities have imposed similar security measures to tighten up national security, such as requiring airlines to send passenger information to federal authorities prior to arrivals or departures of international flights, requiring nationals from certain countries to register with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and requiring immigrants and visa holders to report changes of address etc.

The new security requirements have sent jitters to immigrant communities and have raised concerns from civil rights organizations. Understandably, the new security rules are alarming many illegal immigrants and many TNTs (tago ng tago), because the new policies make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to "hide" from authorities, and make it easier for authorities to track them down.

Federal authorities are initiating all these tight security measures to deter terrorist from entering the United States and from conducting terrorist activities. But those measures provide personal data and photos of millions of other visa applicants to law enforcement agencies.

The one sure way to "protect" yourself if you are in the U.S. and are out of status is to legalize your status. But you have to make a firm decision to do something about it now. I suggest you consult with a reputable attorney, to help you analyze your situation and propose possible solutions to your immigration problem.