U.S. Proposes Visitor Tracking System
 

WASHINGTON - Millions of travelers arriving and departing the United States will have to submit detailed personal information this year under rules proposed by the federal government Friday as part of the war on terrorism.

The rules proposed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, once they are finalized, seek more information from travelers than under current law and for the first time extend the requirements to U.S. citizens and others previously exempted...

"It's another way to enhance security for travelers," said INS spokeswoman Kimberly Weismann...

For years, international travelers have been required to fill out forms detailing their arrival and departure from countries around the world. The U.S. government, however, has not previously required its own citizens to submit such forms. Canadians, permanent resident aliens and certain other people were also exempted....

Once the information is collected, it will be transmitted to the U.S. government and matched against "the appropriate security databases" prior to the travelers' arrival. Anyone who raises a red flag regarding terrorism or other law enforcement concern could be met by officials when the ship or plane arrives in this country....

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ng_travelers_1

(bolding mine)

I'm so glad we will all be more secure, and that my name will be in the appropriate security database - whew! I hope they start mandating urine samples, retinal eye scans and polygraphs... Stepford Wives, anyone?

More seriously, don't they already receive passenger manifests prior to arrival? Weren't the INS and Customs supposed to interview people all along? Why this change?

[This message has been edited by anonplz (edited 01-03-2003).]

"It's another way to enhance security for travelers," said INS spokeswoman Kimberly Weismann.

Another enhancement to our safety, security and civil rights!

Yes, don't you just love that word, "enhancement"? Will we get frequent flyer miles with that "enhancement"?

Originally posted by anonplz:
Stepford Wives, anyone?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

More seriously, don't they already receive passenger manifests prior to arrival?
I'm sure my passport is swiped when I check in for a flight to the US, and not just for the airline's benefit. If so, 'they' already have the information they need.

Of course, it depends what extra information they need and how relevant it is.
[edited for typos]

[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 01-03-2003).]

No doubt somebody, somewhere, will tell me "We are doing this for your own good" as they haul me off to jail for having the audacity to complain http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

i don't like the direction we are going!!!!

Might be good, maybe not, especially regarding US Citizens.

Makes one ask though... aren't there already lots of problems within INS in regardings to tracking "aliens" etc. Like monthes behind or something like that?

Why not fix the broken things first before adding more layers that can not be handled?

This strikes me as a trial balloon, to gauge the level of opposition sentiment from both citizens and foreign governments.

I don't think there is enough information to really determine how intrusive it is. I know that I am asked basic questions every time I enter a foreign country, about where I am staying and what I am doing there, as is their right.

I am happy to answer:

1. Who I am, and prove it
2. Where I was, and why
3. What I am carrying

Past that, I will probably get off the bus.

Given the fact that 9 of 10 American adults have never had a passport, I doubt there will be much opposition, at least not from the citizens. I have a feeling the "it's fine as long as it doesn't happen to me" politics that drive so many decisions in this country, will be the order of the day with this new "security" system too.

Added after the fact:
Oh, and if there is any opposition from foreign governments, that will only further persuade the Bushies to get this nonsense up and running ASAP.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsdown.gif

[This message has been edited by Factotum (edited 01-03-2003).]

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsdown.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsdown.gif

No thank you. Another miserable 'we have to look like we're doing something' make work project. Enough already! Leave us the hell alone if there is no clear proof that we're engaged in criminal behavior!!!

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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

I think we should all say we are Islamic fundamentalists traveling on a religious mission, and really throw their system off http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

It may come to personal protest being the best defense. This is a very serious erosion of rights and liberties.

The government is assuming total dominion over all of our lives when they track our travel this way.

I agree! Let's all do that!

You go first.

IMO, in the case of a U.S. citizen re-entering the United States, the Government (Customs, INS, TSA, whoever) has the right (in fact the obligation) to take reasonable steps to determine identity and citizenship. A passport normally fulfills both purposes.

Beyond that, where you are going and why is just none of their business. Their only legitimate function is to determine whether or not you are entitled to admission to the Country, and whether you are carrying contraband.

Perhaps I am alarmist, but I think this will eentually require each US Citizen to carry travel authorization papers....to be inspected at any time, but what ever functionary - all in the anem of "security". At least it will keep the amateurs from flying, and we won't have to put up their silliness....

RichG: INS/customs can ask US citizens what the purpose of their return trip to the USA is. If you refuse to answer---they won't clear you.

This is standard procudrure for the past twenty years.