Davis, Sessions Introduce VISA Act of 2003
Overstay Tracking Is a Critical Component of Homeland Security November 6 , 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN) today joined with Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) in introducing H.R. 3452, the Visitor Information and Security Accountability (VISA) Act of 2003. This bi-partisan legislation seeks to bridge gaps in homeland security policy by increasing visa compliance through improved identification procedures, enhanced sanctions for non-compliance, and tighter border security.

"Outdated tracking systems and lax interior visa enforcement has put our country in what I would deem 'preventable circumstances'," Davis said. "This legislation is a responsible solution to correcting the unnecessary position we are currently facing."

As we witnessed through the actions of the September 11th hijackers, visa overstays are one of the most prevalent domestic security problems we now face. A visa overstay occurs when a foreign national visiting the U.S. fails to comply with the exit terms of his or her visa and, instead, stays in the country illegally. The Department of Homeland Security estimated the number of visa overstays in the U.S. as of January 2000, between 2-3 million.

"If enacted into law this legislation will serve as a critical component of our homeland security initiative," Davis noted. "While most visa overstays don't pose a threat to our sovereignty the fact that the 9/11 hijackers had 63 drivers licenses between them illustrates the need for an improved identifying and tracking system."

The VISA Act seeks to limit visa overstays by improving border security. It will provide border patrol agents with more manpower and resources by:

-Authorizing additional funding for the operation, maintenance, and procurement of aircraft for the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

-Directing Secretary Ridge to report on his staffing needs at each port of entry and border area.

-Providing for the use of the military at or near a border of the United States if necessary.

In addition, the VISA Act aims to more effectively regulate traffic across U.S. borders by:

-Better identifying individuals who enter the country.

Providing guidance in the development and implementation of the US-VISIT entry-exit system, which includes the integration of biometric identification processes.

-Providing protections from the use of insecure identification documents such as matricula consular cards, or invalid driver's licenses in obtaining U.S. visas by requiring anyone seeking a U.S. visa to interview in person with a consular official.

Finally, the VISA Act seeks to take action against individuals who violate the terms of entry by:

-Introducing the private sector as a force multiplier in improving visa compliance by authorizing and requiring a federally regulated Maintenance of Status/Departure bonds for those seeking U.S. visas, except for individuals from countries participating in visa waiver agreements with the U.S.

-Increasing penalties for human smuggling.

-Providing for administrative removal of alien terrorists.