On Biometric Systems for Visa Overstays

Edward Alden, Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations, testified before the House Homeland Security Committee for a hearing entitled: “Visa Overstays: Can they be Eliminated?”  The Department of Homeland Security is trying to figure out whether or how to proceed with setting up a biometric exit system for all temporary visa holders at U.S. airports and at the land borders, which has been required by Congress in legislation. Alden argues that the costs of creating a full biometric exit system far exceed the likely benefits. The testimony is online at: https://secure.www.cfr.org/publication/21734/prepared_testimony_by_edward_alden.html

The prepared testimony of all the witnesses and a video of the hearing is at: http://hsc.house.gov/hearings/index.asp?ID=245

KJ