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Cite as "Posted on AILA InfoNet
at Doc. No. 02092470 (Sep. 24, 2002) ."
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
(09/24/2002)
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