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I.N.S. Proposes New Limits on the Length of Visas
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Posted on April 9, 2002 I.N.S. Proposes New Limits on the Length of Visas By CHRISTOPHER MARQUIS New York Times WASHINGTON, April 8 — Under intense pressure to regroup after embarrassing lapses involving the Sept. 11 hijackers, the Immigration and Naturalization Service announced several steps today to gain greater control over tourists and visiting students and businessmen. The proposed measures would reduce the amount of time granted to most foreign tourists, to 30 days from six months; limit most business travelers to a maximum of six months; and penalize illegal visitors who ignore the agency's orders to turn themselves in within 30 days. Most changes are subject to public review, but one new rule that takes effect immediately makes it more difficult for business travelers or tourists to switch their visa status by enrolling in American schools. The student visa system is rife with abuse, Bush administration officials acknowledge. In a breakdown of procedure, the immigration service last month issued notices of student visas to two dead Sept. 11 hijackers. The two men, Mohammed Atta of Egypt and Marwan al-Shehhi of the United Arab Emirates, entered the country as tourists, then began their training at a Florida flight school as they awaited the issuance of their student visas. James W. Ziglar, the commissioner of immigration and naturalization, said the new rules struck "the appropriate balance between I.N.S.'s mission to ensure that our nation's immigration laws are followed and stop illegal immigration and our desire to welcome legitimate visitors." Business groups reviewed the proposed changes tonight. Theresa Brown, a spokeswoman for the United States Chamber of Commerce, expressed the hope that they would not cripple tourism and trade. "Allowing people to come in for business and tourism is a big chunk of our economy," Ms. Brown said. If the agency "raises the bar, where it's an impediment, we'll have an issue," she said. Ms. Brown warned that tighter rules could add to the backlog of the immigration service as visitors seek visa extensions. In most cases, applicants would have a chance to make their cases for longer stays. Effective immediately, individuals planning to study in the United States will be able to receive student status only if they notify the agency of that prospect before entering the country. The change is intended to give federal authorities time to conduct security checks, officials said. Other changes in the handling of visas include the following plans: ¶An illegal immigrant who has been ordered to surrender as part of the deportation process must do so within 30 days or give up the opportunity to legalize his status for 10 years. Nine of every 10 illegal immigrants facing final deportation orders fail to turn themselves in, the agency said. ¶Most tourist visas would be good for 30 days, down from six months. ¶Business visitors or tourists may extend their stays for up to six months if they can show "unexpected or compelling humanitarian reason," like medical treatment or an impending business deal. |