Homeland Security online registration for US visitors sparks controversy

Leaders in the airline industry and the business sector are highly critical of the Homeland Security visitor online registration system that will soon require millions of visitors to the U.S. to complete an online registration at least three days before their intended date of travel. The contention is that the plan will further damage the image of the U.S. abroad and most likely cause a downturn in tourist numbers.

The plan is scheduled to go into effect on January 12, 2009, with the stated objective of tightening security by giving authorities sufficient time to check potential visitors for immigration issues and links to terrorist activity. Travelers from 27 nations, including the UK, Italy, and Spain, for example, are among the foreign nationals who would have to register online in advance.

Current practice gives immigration officials access to passenger background details only 30 minutes before the aircraft door closes in preparation for take-off.

The new Homeland Security program will not apply to U.S. citizens returning home, but will impact nearly 14 million foreigners who are eligible to visit the U.S. as part of the visa-waiver program. This program, applying only to national of specific countries, allows entry for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.

Airline companies and numerous airports have been critical of the new registration requirement, indicating that they believe many travelers will not be allowed on flights to the U.S. because they were not aware that registration on the site was required.

www.dhs.gov