CBP uses a multitude of computer systems to screen non-residents upon arrival. US-VISIT and APIS are two such primary systems. Biometrics are captured by CBP Officers using US-VISIT-10 Print on most aliens seeking admission to the United States. APIS provides Advance Passenger Information for many travelers prior to their actual arrival in the U.S. Our Officers also utilize computer systems such as TECS and ENFORCE to process individuals at the ports. IDENT and IAFIS are also used by CBP to perform automated fingerprint searches on individuals.

 

 

US-VISIT supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect our nation by providing biometric identification services to CBP decision makers to help them accurately identify the people they encounter and determine whether those people pose a risk to the United States. US-VISIT's most visible service is the collection of biometrics—digital fingerprints and a photograph—from international travelers at U.S. visa-issuing posts and ports of entry. Collecting this information helps CBP officers and State Department Consular Officers determine whether a person is eligible to receive a visa or enter the United States. The biometric collection process is simple, convenient and secure. US-VISIT's innovative use of biometrics prevents identity fraud and deprives criminals and immigration violators of the ability to cross our borders. US-VISIT also supports the Department's ability to identify international travelers who have remained in the United States beyond their period of admission by analyzing biographical information. By providing decision makers with the information they need where and when they need it, US-VISIT is helping to make immigration and border management efforts more collaborative, more streamlined and more effective. More information on US-VISIT can be located at the following link:

 

http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/usv.shtm

 

 

The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is an electronic data interchange system that allows carriers to transmit traveler data to CBP. APIS enhances border security by providing officers with pre-arrival and departure information on all passengers and crew members. Information transmitted to CBP through APIS includes passenger information that would be found on the front of a passport, such as full name, gender, and country of passport issuance. Additional information on APIS can be located at the following link:

 

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/inspections_carriers_facilities/apis/

 

TECS is an updated and modified version of the former Treasury Enforcement Communications System, which is principally owned and managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is its principal law enforcement and anti-terrorism database system.

TECS is established as an overarching law enforcement information collection, analysis, and sharing environment that securely links telecommunications devices and personal computers to a central system and database. This environment is comprised of several modules designed to collect, maintain, and screen data as well as conduct analysis, screening, and information sharing.

TECS databases contain temporary and permanent enforcement, inspection and intelligence records relevant to the anti-terrorism and law enforcement mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and numerous other federal agencies that it supports.

TECS also maintains limited information on those individuals who have been granted access to the system. Access is granted to those agencies which share a common need for data maintained in the system. TECS also allows direct access to other major law enforcement systems, including the Department of Justice's National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (NLETS), and the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).

ENFORCE has allowed CBP to automate the preparation of paperwork used by Officers to process immigration violations. Previously, the paperwork for immigration cases was prepared by hand, often taking more than two hours per case. Automation has significantly reduced the processing time for most cases. Once data from an inspection is collected, the ENFORCE system is used to print the necessary forms for hearings and other actions. ENFORCE supports a more streamlined and efficient business process and includes a biometric interface with the IDENT system, allowing CBP to capture photographs and perform fingerprint matching functions during a single procedure. This has increased the proficiency in tracking immigration and criminal records of detainees and facilitating the detention and repatriation of illegal entrants.

 

CBP also utilizes the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, more commonly known as IAFIS. This is a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. IAFIS provides automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent searching capability, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of fingerprints and responses, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

As a result of submitting fingerprints electronically, CBP Officers receive electronic responses to criminal ten-print fingerprint submissions very quickly. IAFIS maintains the largest biometric database in the world, containing the fingerprints and corresponding criminal history information for more than 55 million subjects in the Criminal Master File. The fingerprints and corresponding criminal history information are submitted voluntarily by state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies.

 

Occasionally, the system provides some sort of information that causes an admissible non-resident to be sent to secondary inspection on every admission into the U.S.  The best way for the non-resident to clear derogatory information from the system: (a) using http://www.dhs.gov/trip, (b) customer service (1-877-227-5511)

(Handout – CBP Publication No. 0102-0809  – “The CBP Screening Process”)

 

In addition, the Department of Homeland Security’s Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs--like airports and train stations--or crossing U.S. borders, including: denied or delayed airline boarding; denied or delayed entry into and exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border checkpoint; continuously referred to additional (secondary) screening.

 

DHS TRIP is also a central gateway to address: watch list misidentification issues; situations where travelers believe they have faced screening problems at ports of entry;  situations where travelers believe they have been unfairly or incorrectly delayed, denied boarding or identified for additional screening at our nation’s transportation hubs. DHS TRIP is part of an effort by the Department and Homeland Security to welcome legitimate travelers while still securing our country from those who want to do us harm. People who have been repeatedly identified for additional screening can file an inquiry to have erroneous information corrected in DHS systems. Requests received online are routed for redress to the appropriate DHS components. Components will review the request and reach a determination about a traveler’s status.

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection also established a Passenger Service Manager (PSM) Program at 20 Model Port airports, including Orlando and Sanford, and expanded to three northern land border ports of entry this year. The Model Ports initiative was originally established in 2006 as part of the Rice-Chertoff Initiative, to enhance border security with the use of new technology while streamlining security processes and facilitating travel for legitimate visitors.CBP Passenger Service Managers are visible and responsive to the traveling public, and are the primary point of contact to address concerns or comments about the inspections process of international travelers.

PSMs provide training to managers and supervisors on customer service issues, collect and analyze reports concerning professionalism, and promote public awareness of the CBP mission through distribution of public information bulletins, brochures and comment cards. They also oversee issues relating to travelers requiring special processing.

 

 

After filing an inquiry online, the filer will be asked to provide supporting documentation within 30 days. DHS encourages filers to submit any additional documentation well before the 30-day deadline to speed the processing of the request.

Once the documentation is received, DHS TRIP will process requests completely and accurately. It's the filer’s responsibility to provide required supporting paperwork for the appropriate forms as any delays in receiving required documentation will cause delays in processing. To review the status of an inquiry, one must provide their control number on the status page, which can be located at the following link: 

http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1169676919316.shtm

Upon completion of review by DHS, the filer will receive a resolution letter. If a filer disagrees with the resolution, or feels that the DHS decision is in error, he or she is encouraged to follow the instructions received in the resolution letter.