russian_america | Just in case you did not know...

Takuju telegu razoslali.
Not a big deal, but it is better to know, that they fingerprint you not 'cause you are a terrorist...

HOLIDAY TRAVEL UPDATE

HOLIDAY TRAVEL UPDATE
As the fall season progresses, many foreign nationals begin making travel arrangements for the upcoming holidays. Due to world events, the U.S. government has implemented increased security measures at its consulates, embassies and ports of entry. Foreign nationals who will travel outside the United States in the coming months should be aware of following general travel guidelines:

1. All foreign nationals should ensure that they and their family members possess the required documentation for travel and reentry to the United States, including valid passports and visas, and supporting travel documents (i.e., valid F-1 Form I-20, J-1 Form DS-2019, and H-1B Form I-797 Notice of Action).

2. All foreign nationals should expect longer and more complex visa application procedures at the U.S. consulates and embassies, including mandatory personal interviews for most visa applicants. The State Department has warned that visa issuance may take as long as six to eight weeks. In some instances, security clearances may even take longer than the stated eight-week period. If you plan to apply for a visa outside the United States, you should contact the relevant consulate or embassy for specific information on application procedures and processing times.

3. Effective December 31, 2003, all foreign nationals entering the United States by air and sea will be subject to the U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indication Technology (US-VISIT) system, a "check-in/check-out" mechanism that will track the entry and exit of all foreign visitors to the United States. Upon arrival, the foreign national's travel documents will be scanned and his or her photograph and fingerprints will be taken, and the foreign national's identity will again be verified upon departure. The system is also intended to track changes and extensions to the foreign national's U.S. immigration status.

4. Individuals who are nationals or citizens of certain designated countries will be subject to more heightened security screening and may be required to be registered in the Department of Homeland Securitys National Security Entry and Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Foreign nationals who are registered in NSEERS must be aware of and comply with departure control rules. Please see http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm for Department of Homeland Security information on special registration.