US visa holders face tighter screening

It sucks, but I understand. Even if you have a US Visa, you might still be asked to go through a special registration process which includes finger printing. Before, only only nationals from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya and Syria were asked to go through this. Now, people who fall under the criteria will have to go through the process as well.

"Under the INS memorandum, four methods identify who will be subject to special registration and/or removal:

* Citizens or nationals of countries designated through publication of a notice in the Federal Register.
* Notification through the Interagency Border Inspection System (Ibis).
* Pre-existing criteria as defined by the Attorney General.
* Officer's discretion."

The criteria:

* The nonimmigrant alien has made unexplained trips to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, Somalia, Pakistan, Indonesia, or Malaysia, or the alien's explanation of such trips lacks credibility.


* The alien has engaged in other travels not well-explained by his or her job or other legitimate circumstances.

* He or she had previously overstayed in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, and monitoring is now appropriate in the interests of national security.

* He or she meets characterization established by current intelligence updates and advisories, or is identified by local, state or federal law enforcement agencies as being involved in activities that require monitoring in the interest of national security.

* The alien's behavior, demeanor or answers indicate that his or her movements should be monitored.

* He or she provides information that causes the immigration officer to reasonably determine that his or her activities require monitoring.

Sigh, it seems that it's such a hassle to go to the US right now, even just for vacation.