2006

DHS Awards Southwest Border States $12 million for Operation Stonegarden (12/18/2006)
DHS announced the award of $12 million in grants to Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas, in support of local law enforcement efforts along the border. The funding is part of Operation Stonegarden, an initiative that allows states to use DHS grant funding to coordinate state and federal law enforcement for border security. AILA Doc. No. 06121862.
DHS Holds Press Conference on Identity Theft and Worksite Enforcement (12/15/2006)
On December 13, 2006, DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, ICE Assistant Secretary Julie Meyers, and FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majors, offered remarks on identity theft and Operation Wagon Train, the 12/12/06 worksite enforcement raid at six Swift & Company meatpacking plants. AILA Doc. No. 06121565.
DHS and DOS Announce Members of the Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee(475 KB - 12/7/2006)
A 12/6/06 DHS and DOS announcement on the members of the Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee. The Committee will provide advice and recommendations to DHS and DOS on efforts to maintain security while making visitors feel more welcome to the U.S. AILA Doc. No. 06120761.
DHS Fact Sheet on Security Improvements to the Visa Waiver Program (12/1/2006)
On November 30, 2006, DHS released a fact sheet on security improvements to the Visa Waiver Program. The fact sheet enumerates the security requirements that DHS hopes to implement with the aid of Congress. AILA Doc. No. 06120113.
DHS Secretary Chertoff Issues a Statement on Security Improvements to the Visa Waiver Program (11/29/2006)
On November 28, 2006, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff issued a statement on security improvements to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It followed President Bush’s announced intention to work with Congress to reform the VWP to encourage some international allies to join the program. AILA Doc. No. 06112961.
DHS Announces WHTI Rule Outlining New Document Requirements for Air Travel (11/28/2006)
DHS announced the official requirement for citizens of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter the U.S. when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere beginning January 23, 2007. AILA Doc. No. 06112812.
U.S. Coast Guard Begins Biometric Collection Program (11/14/2006)
On November 13, 2006, DHS began a pilot program to collect biometric information from unauthorized migrants attempting entry into U.S. territory through the body of water between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico known as the Mona Passage. The U.S. Coast Guard will compare the digital fingerprints and photographs of migrants against the US-VISIT database. AILA Doc. No. 06111462.
DHS Secretary Chertoff Announces Appointment of Chad Sweet as Chief of Staff (11/28/2006)
DHS Secretary Chertoff announced the appointment of Chad Sweet, former special assistant to the Secretary and deputy chief of staff, as the Department’s new Chief of Staff. AILA Doc. No. 06112815.
DHS Secretary Statement on Resignation of Chief of Staff John Wood (11/28/2006)
DHS Secretary Chertoff issued a statement on the resignation of his Chief of Staff John Wood. AILA Doc. No. 06112813.
DHS FAQ on Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative – Publication of the Air Final Rule (11/28/2006)
DHS issued a FAQ on the air portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Beginning January 23, 2007, citizens of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Bermuda traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport to enter the U.S. AILA Doc. No. 06112811.
DHS Fact Sheet: ICE 2006 Fiscal Year in Review (10/30/2006)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fact sheet summarizes Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) operations for FY 2006, including worksite enforcement, detentions, and removals. AILA Doc. No. 06103066.
DHS Fact Sheet: CBP 2006 Fiscal Year In Review (10/30/2006)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fact sheet highlights U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) FY 2006 operations, including increases in staff and border infrastructure. AILA Doc. No. 06103062.
Statement by DHS Secretary Chertoff on the Secure Fence Act (10/27/2006)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff issued a statement following President Bush’s signature of the Secure Fence Act on October 26, 2006. AILA Doc. No. 06102761.
DHS Announces that Nearly All VWP Countries Have Met e-Passport Requirements (10/26/2006)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that 24 of the 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries have met the October 26, 2006 deadline requiring all newly issued passports to contain a contactless chip with the passport holder's biographic information and a biometric identifier, such as a digital photograph of the holder. AILA Doc. No. 06102614.
DHS Fact Sheet on RFID, Key Component of the WHTI’s PASS System (10/18/2006)
DHS proposes expanded use of vicinity radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at land border ports of entry. The use of this technology will be a key component of the People, Access Security Service (PASS) System. The PASS System is designed to meet the specific requirements of the WHTI for U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land and sea. AILA Doc. No. 06101861.
DHS Proposes Expanded Use of Vicinity RFID in Implementing WHTI(21 KB - 10/17/2006)
In conjunction with the DOS’s proposed rulemaking on the new PASSport card, DHS announced that it proposes to expand the use of vicinity radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at U.S. ports of entry, which would allow a travel document to be read from several feet as a vehicle approaches inspection. AILA Doc. No. 06101772.
Statement by DHS Secretary Chertoff on Final Passenger Name Record Agreement with the E.U. (10/13/2006)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced a final formal U.S. /E.U. agreement regarding the sharing of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data. AILA Doc. No. 06101313.
DHS Announces that e-Passport Readers are in Place at Additional Airports(22 KB - 10/13/2006)
DHS announced that e-Passport readers are now in place at additional airports. Installation of the new readers will continue in preparation for an October 26, 2006 deadline requiring that U.S. ports of entry have the capability to compare and authenticate data in e-Passports issued by Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. AILA Doc. No. 06101312.
President Signs FY 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (10/5/2006)
President George W. Bush signed the Fiscal Year 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill October 4, 2006, which includes increased funding for the Secure Border Initiative. AILA Doc. No. 06100561
Statement by DHS Secretary Chertoff on Passenger Name Record Agreement with the E.U. (10/2/2006)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced a draft formal U.S. /EU agreement regarding the sharing of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data. AILA Doc. NO. 06100202.
Statement by DHS Secretary Chertoff on the House Vote to Restrict Immigration Injunctions (9/25/2006)
DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff comments on recent legislation and the Orantes injunction. AILA Doc. No. 06092560.
DHS Awards Contract to Boeing to Implement Border Security Program (9/22/2006)
DHS announced the award of a contract to Boeing Co. to implement SBInet along the United States northern and southern borders. SBInet is a program to integrate border security systems technology and infrastructure. AILA Doc. No. 06092269.
DHS Announces Termination of the Designation of Liberia for TPS(35 KB - 9/18/2006)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation of Liberia. DHS also granted an automatic six-month extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) through April 1, 2007. AILA Doc. No. 06091863.
DHS Announces 12-Month Extension of TPS for Nationals of Burundi (9/15/2006)
DHS announcement of a 12-month TPS extension for nationals of Burundi until November 2, 2007. AILA Doc. No. 06091561.
DHS Announces 12-Month Extension of TPS for Nationals of Burundi(315 KB - 9/15/2006)
DHS announcement of a 12-month TPS extension for nationals of Burundi until November 2, 2007. AILA Doc. No. 06091561.
DHS Fact Sheet: Protecting the Homeland Post September 11 (9/12/2006)
DHS Fact Sheet summarizes measures to improve national security since 9/11/01. AILA Doc. No. 06091270.
DHS Secretary Chertoff’s “September 11: Five Years Later” Remarks Include Discussion of Border Security and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (9/12/2006)
In a 9/8/06 address at Georgetown University, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff discussed increased border security, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and other measures taken since 9/11/2001. AILA Doc. No. 06091263.
DHS Announces First Phase of Tech Enhancements to Increase Interoperability of DHS and DOJ Fingerprint Databases (9/8/2006)
DHS announced the first phase of technology enhancements that will improve access and information sharing among immigration and law enforcement officials. The enhancements are the first in a series of three phases to achieve full interoperability of US-VISIT’s fingerprint database, IDENT, and the FBI’s IAFIS. AILA Doc. No. 06090866.
DHS Updates the Visa Waiver Program Passport Requirement Traveler Guide (9/5/2006)
DHS has updated the Visa Waiver Program Passport Requirement Traveler Guide. The guide clarifies changes in passport and e-Passport requirements for visitors traveling to the United States as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Doc. No. 06090572.
DHS Announced Additional Measures To Combat Smuggling of Cubans (8/24/2006)
DHS reaffirmed its commitment to work with Congress to develop legislation to increase criminal and civil penalties for maritime smugglers of foreign nationals. AILA Doc. No. 06082462.
Joint DHS, ICE and CBP Remarks on the Secure Border Initiative(78 KB - 8/24/2006)
Remarks by Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, ICE Acting Director of Detention and Removal John Torres and CBP Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar on the results of the Secure Border Initiative since its implementation in November 2005. AILA Doc. No. 06082463
DHS Release on Further Measures to Support the Reunification of Cuban Families (8/24/2006)
USCIS announced that it will recognize a new visa class for Cuban migrants to reduce the backlog of individuals who have applied for family-based immigrant visas that are not available. AILA Doc. No. 06082461.
Statement by Secretary Chertoff before House Appropriations Subcommittee (7/28/2006)
DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff discusses increased funding for border security before the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. AILA Doc. No. 06072862.
Statement by Secretary Chertoff on Blocked Senate Amendment (7/17/2006)
DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff discusses “Catch and Release” and amendment introduced by Senator John Cornyn. AILA Doc. No. 06071766.
DHS Fact Sheet: Securing Our Nation’s Borders (6/30/2006)
DHS Releases Fact Sheet on Securing Our Nation’s Borders. AILA Doc. No. 06063070.
DHS Secretary Chertoff Speaks to the American Enterprise Institute (6/30/2006)
Secretary Chertoff discusses border security and comprehensive immigration reform. AILA Doc. No. 06063069.
DHS Secretary Issues Statement In Honor of World Refugee Day (6/22/2006)
DSH Secretary Chertoff issued a statement commemorating World Refugee Day and acknowledging the contributions of USCIS Refugee and Asylum Divisions. AILA Doc. No. 06062263.
DHS Secretary Applauds Emergency Supplemental Appropriation of $1.9 Billion (6/16/2006)
Secretary Chertoff commended Congress for passing the 2006 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act which, among other things, provides $1.9 billion for border security, coordination with state and local law enforcement, additional IJs and attorneys, and resources to support assistance for 6,000 National Guard members at the southern border. AILA Doc. No. 06061666.
Regulations Forthcoming on No-Match Letters and Electronic I-9s(23 KB - 6/9/2006)
DHS announces that it is proposing regulations on employer obligations upon receipt of "no match" letters and on electronic signature and storage of I-9 verification forms. AILA Doc. No. 06060967.
DHS Secretary Chertoff Discusses Comprehensive Approach to Immigration(265 KB - 6/6/2006)
DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff discussed the President Bush’s “comprehensive approach to immigration” in a speech to the Brookings Institute. Chertoff focused on plans for increasing border security and interior enforcement and creating a temporary guestworker program. AILA Doc. No. 06060665.
Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Senate Vote for Comprehensive Immigration Reform(17 KB - 6/1/2006)
DHS Secretary Chertoff commends Senate for passing comprehensive bill, hopes to see strong enforcement in final negotiation. AILA Doc. No. 06060111.
DHS Secretary Chertoff and Other Government Officials Give Press Briefing on President’s Immigration Reform Plan (5/19/2006)
DHS Secretary Chertoff and officials from ICE, DOD, Border Patrol and the National Guard held a press briefing to outline their efforts to support the President’s Immigration Reform Plan. AILA Doc. No. 06051960.
France Meets U.S. Requirements for E-Passports (5/5/2006)
This DHS news release announces that new digital passports issued by France are compliant with U.S. technical requirements for countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). AILA Doc. No. 06050513.
DHS/USCIS Fact Sheet on Immigration Security Checks (4/27/2006)
This DHS/USCIS Fact Sheet provides details about immigration security checks like the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) Name Check, the FBI Fingerprint Check and the FBI Name Check. AILA Doc. No. 06042772.
DHS Worksite Enforcement Operation Targets Nationwide Employer(52 KB - 4/21/2006)
ICE news release reports arrests resulting from nationwide worksite enforcement operation. AILA Doc. No. 06042162.
DHS Unveils New Interior Enforcement Strategy(57 KB - 4/21/2006)
ICE news release outlines the department's new strategy to expand interior enforcement efforts. The new enforcement plan, which is the second phase of DHS's Secure Border Initiative, will target employers of undocumented aliens, immigration violators inside this country, and criminal networks. AILA Doc. No. 06042160.
DHS Completes International “e-Passport” Live Test (4/19/2006)
This news release provides details on DHS's latest testing of e-Passports and e-Passport readers in anticipation of the upcoming deadline requiring Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers who are issued a passport after 10/26/06, to present an e-Passport to enter the United States. AILA Doc. No. 06041964.
DHS Announces Joint Task Force on Document and Benefit Fraud(30 KB - 4/6/2006)
Dept. of Homeland Security announces that it has joined with DOL, DOJ, DOS and other agencies to create task forces in 10 cities to address document and immigration benefit fraud. AILA Doc. No. 06040672.
DHS Q & A on Extension of TPS for Nicaraguans(52 KB - 3/30/2006)
DHS Q & A related to the annuoncement of the TPS extension for Nicaraguans for another year to July 1, 2007. AILA Doc. No. 06033022.
DHS Q & A on Extension of TPS for Hondurans(52 KB - 3/30/2006)
DHS Q & A related to the annuoncement of the TPS extension for Hondurans for another year to July 1, 2007. AILA Doc. No. 06033021.
DHS Press Release Announcing TPS Extensions for Hondurans and Nicaraguans(39 KB - 3/30/2006)
DHS announces TPS extension for another year to July 1, 2007. Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for eligible aliens are automatically extended to January 1, 2007. AILA Doc.No. 06033020.
DHS Announces Temporary Protected Status Extension for El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua (2/23/2006)
DHS announces a decision to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an additional 12 months for El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. USCIS will provide re-registration details and answers to FAQ's upon publication of Notices in the Federal Register soon. En Español
DHS FY 2007 Budget Request (2/8/2006)
DHS news release highlights components of the President’s FY 2007 budget proposal for the agency. AILA Doc. No. 06020866.
DHS Names Senior Advisor for Refugee and Asylum Policy (2/8/2006)
DHS announces the appointment of Igor V. Timofeyev as senior advisor for refugee and asylum policy. AILA Doc. NO. 06020863.
DHS Further Expands Expedited Removal(15 KB - 1/30/2006)
DHS Secretary Chertoff announces that expedited removal is being expanded to include those who have spent 14 days or less in the U.S. and are apprehended within 100 miles of the border with Canada or Mexico or arrive by sea and are apprehended within 100 miles of a coastal border area. AILA Doc. No. 06013018.
Chertoff/Rice Briefing on Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age (1/18/2006)
Presentation by DHS Secretary Chertoff and DOS Secretary Rice on strategies with respect to border security.
Joint DOS/DHS Announcement on the Rice-Chertoff Joint Vision (1/18/2006)
Announcement from the Departments of State and Homeland Security regarding the vision of their department heads with respect to balancing strong security and facilitation of travel.
DHS to Begin Testing of Electronic Passports (1/13/2006)
Dept. of Homeland Security announces that it will begin testing e-passports with chips containing biographic and biometric information at Terminal G of San Francisco International Airport on January 15, 2006.
DHS Expands State Grants Program for Border Enforcement(17 KB - 1/10/2006)
Dept. of Homeland Security announces expansion of "Operation Stonegarden," a program of grants to states "to be used for border protection." AILA Doc. No. 06011060.

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