2003

Homeland Security Secretary Ridge Makes Positive Comments on Legal Status for Undocumented (12/15/2003)
In a public meeting in Florida last week, Secretary Ridge stated that the U.S. government has to address the situation of millions of undocumented workers in the United States, and afford them some legal status.
DHS Issues a Fact Sheet, FAQs, and Press Release on Changes to the NSEERS Program (12/1/2003)
The DHS fact sheet, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and press release provide detailed information regarding the specific changes to the Special Registration program (NSEERS) expected to become effective on 12/02/03 upon publication in the Federal Register.
DHS Issues Press Release and Demonstrates the USVISIT Process (10/29/2003)
DHS officers will take fingerprints (using scanning equipment) and digital photos of arriving non-immigrants to confirm identity and immigration compliance. DHS will place self-serve kiosks at exit-ports for departing non-immigrants to scan visas or passports, and provide scanned fingerprints. USVISIT is scheduled to begin on 12/31/03.
DHS Issues FY2004 Budget Fact Sheet (10/6/2003)
On 10/1/03, President Bush signed the first homeland security appropriations bill at the DHS. Overall, the DHS's FY 2004 budget authority totals $37.6 billion: $30.4 billion provided by the Congress plus an additional $7.2 billion in fees. The DHS press release highlights appropriations to immigration-related activities. AILA Doc. No. 03100641.
DHS, DOS, FBI, and CIA Announce the Establishment of the Terrorist Screening Center (9/22/2003)
The Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) combines information from the DHS, DOS, FBI, and CIA terrorist watchlists and will serve as the 24/7 resource to federal screeners across the country and around the world. The TSC will begin operations on 12/1/03.
DHS Press Release and Q&As on Extension of TPS for Burundi(149 KB - 9/3/2003)
DHS press release and questions and answers on the extension of Temporary Protected Status for nationals of Burundi for one year. Eligible individuals must register by 11/03/03. AILA Doc. No. 03090360.
DHS Plans to Transfer Federal Air Marshal Service and the Explosives Unit from TSA to BICE (9/2/2003)
On 9/2/03, the DHS announced its plans to transfer the Federal Air Marshal Service and the Explosives Unit from the Transportation Security Administration to BICE.
DHS and DOS Suspend Transit Without Visa (TWOV) and International-to-International (ITI) Transit Programs (8/4/2003)
There are three exceptions for those affected by the suspension, which does not affect U.S. citizens or citizens from visa waiver countries. DHS and DOS request comments from the public. The DHS and DOS will reassess the suspension over the next 60 days, and intend to reinstate the programs as soon as additional security measures are implemented.
DHS Announces Appointment of Citizenship and Immigration Ombudsman (7/29/2003)
The DHS has announced the appointment of Prakash Khatri to serve as the Citizenship and Immigration Ombudsman at the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS Announces One-Year Discretionary Waiver of the New Certification Requirements for Certain Non-Immigrant Health Care Workers (7/29/2003)
On 7/29/03, the DHS announced that it will exercise its discretion to waive the certification requirement for non-immigrants for a period of one year after the date of publication of the final rule on certifications (7/25/03). The admission, EOS, or COS may not be longer than one year, and the certification must be obtained within that time.
Department of Homeland Security Press Release and Remarks on the US-VISIT Program (5/20/2003)
The US-VISIT program will use biometric identifiers at air and sea ports of entry to determine whether an individual should be detained or questioned. The system will scan documents and take fingerprints and photos to be checked against databases, and will eventually collect information on arrival and departure of most foreign nationals.
DHS Introduces New U.S. Visit System, Reports on the Department’s Progress in the First 100 Days (4/30/2003)
A press release by DHS announces the launch of the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indication Technology System (US VISIT), an electronic entry-exit system to be implemented at the ports of entry. DHS also reports on the progress made and programs implemented during its first 100 days, including several immigration-related actions.
TPS Designation for Honduras and Nicaragua To Be Extended (4/30/2003)
DHS press release indicates that TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua will be extended until January 5, 2005. The 60-day re-registration period will begin May 2, 2003.
DHS Announces Removal of 103 Pakistanis(276 KB - 3/20/2003)
The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement press release announcing that, in cooperation with the government of Pakistan, 103 Pakistanis were removed to Islamabad, for a total of 500 removals to Pakistan in the past year. AILA Doc. No. 03032023.
Secretary Ridge Questioned on Detention of Asylum Seekers (3/19/2003)
A March 18, 2003 press briefing by DHS Secretary Ridge includes questions on the "Operation Liberty Shield" policy of detaining asylum seekers from countries where terrorist organizations are active. AILA Doc. No. 03031927.
FY 2003 Funding Fact Sheet from the DHS (3/4/2003)
A 3/1/03 Department of Homeland Security Fact Sheet lists the Department’s funding priorities for fiscal year 2003.
Three Employees of U.S. Consulate in Mexico Charged with Visa Fraud (2/5/2003)
Three employees of the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico have been arrested and charged with visa fraud. An investigation into allegations of visa fraud at the consulate began seven months ago and ultimately resulted in the temporary closure of the consulate on 1/29/03.
Dep’t of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan (12/4/2002)
The Dep’t of Homeland Security (DHS) Reorganization Plan (located on the White House website) specifies the steps that will be taken to organize the new Department along with a timetable for each.
TN Checklist Used by Vancouver PFI(55 KB - 8/6/2003)
Copy of checklist used by BCBP inspectors for TN adjudications at the pre-flight inspection in Vancouver, B.C. AILA Doc. No. 03080611.

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