| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC September 24, 2002 Visa Security ReviewsSince 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. |
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