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As many of you plan to travel outside the U.S. during your
breaks, OIE-IS wanted to inform you of some new procedures
you may encounter when you come back through a U.S. port of
entry.
In October 2003, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) announced US–VISIT. With this program all United
States visa holders will be fingerprinted and photographed
upon entry and departure. US-VISIT will be phased in at ports
of entry and exit throughout 2004. The program’s major
goals are to increase U.S. and international visitor security
and to expedite travel and commerce. For more information
about US-VISIT please check the DHS
Web site.
As entry and exit procedures become more elaborate, and
more confusing, the Office of International Education has
established a 24-hour emergency contact telephone number.
If you are detained at a U.S. port of entry during non-office
hours, you can call the VCU police non-emergency telephone
number (804) 828-1196 and give them your contact number. The
dispatcher will make contact with OIE, and someone from this
office will return your call as soon possible. While we do
not anticipate problems for any of you, this is just an extra
precaution.
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