DOS Expects Security Clearance Timing to Improve

Press Statement

Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 24, 2002

Visa Security Reviews

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the State Department  has been engaged with other U.S. government agencies in an extensive  and ongoing review of visa issuing procedures as they relate to the  security of our borders and our nation. As a result, some visa  applicants worldwide have been subject to additional background and  security checks coordinated with the U.S. law enforcement and security  community. Applicants were informed when their applications were  subject to delay.

As a result of improved interagency and automated procedures, the  Department of State last week sent authorization to consular posts  worldwide to issue visas to more than 10,000 visa applicants following  mandatory security reviews. Many foreign students, business people and  other travelers whose visa applications have been subject to the  security procedure known as "Visas Condor" will now see speedier visa  adjudications.

"Visas Condor" is a program under which posts abroad submit names of  visa applicants subject to further analysis by appropriate U.S.  government agencies. In the future, these security reviews are expected  to take less than a month from the time of visa application.

The primary responsibility of consular officers is to carry out U.S.  law and to ensure that applicants to whom they issue visas will not  pose a threat to the safety and security of the United States. This  must take precedence over other considerations in adjudicating visa  applications. There is no automatic entitlement to a U.S. visa. All  visas are subject to the requirements of U.S. visa and immigration law.

The Department of State does everything possible to meet the legitimate  needs of prospective travelers to the United States, consistent with  our security responsibilities. However, individuals who do not build in  ample time before their planned travel date to obtain a visa may be  inconvenienced.

 [End]

Released on September 24, 2002