DOS Says No Change in NIV Processing

P 190037Z SEP 01
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS PRIORITY
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMEMBASSY BELGRADE
USOFFICE PRISTINA
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY NDJAMENA

UNCLAS STATE 161332
VISAS -- INFORM CONSULS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: RECENT TERRORIST ATTACKS AND NONIMMIGRANT VISA
PROCESSING AND SEARCHES OF VISA RECORDS

REF: A) STATE 159442 B) STATE 109933 C) STATE 54863

1. At this time, there have been no rpt no changes to
Department guidance on visa processing as a result of the
recent terrorist incidents. Posts should review and
continue to adhere closely to special processing
guidelines outlined in Ref B and Visas Viper requirements
described in Ref C. Department will advise posts if new
requirements are added.

2. Posts are reminded that security advisory opinions are
not limited to those required in Ref B. SAO's may be sent
to VO/L/C whenever a post feels one is warranted.

3. If the consular section is open to the public for
routine services, conoffs should accept NIV applications
from those physically present in post's consular district,
no matter their nationality or group. Conoffs may of
course deny applications if applicants do not meet the
requirements of sections 221(g) or 214(b) of the INA.

4. As stated in Ref A, Diplomatic Security and the Bureau
of Consular Affairs are coordinating Department responses
to law enforcement requests for information from visa
records. Using the Consolidated Consular Database (CCD),
CA/VO is able to search visa records worldwide. To avoid
confusion, misinformation and unnecessary duplicated
effort, posts should not on their own initiative undertake
CCD searches of other post's records or try to conduct ad
hoc inquiries. The data engineers available to CA can
perform the most sophisticated queries.

5. Minimize considered.
POWELL