Jan 13 2003

INS Now Requires Aircrafts to Submit Electronic Passenger Manifests

In its continuing effort to heighten public safety and national security, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), on December 31, announced a new program requiring advance submission of passenger data. This new program, effective January 1, 2003, requires all commercial carriers to electronically submit detailed passenger manifests to the INS before the aircraft leaves or arrives in the U.S.

This program, mandated by Congress in the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, requires that the following passenger information be included in the manifest:

•  full name;

•  date of birth;

•   citizenship status;

•  gender

•  passport number, including the nation of passport issuance;

•  nation of residence

•  if applicable, U.S. visa number and date and place of issuance;

•  if applicable, alien registration number;

•  address while located within the U.S.; and

•  other applicable data, as defined by the Attorney General and the Secretaries of State and Treasury.

This proposed rule was published January 3, 2003 and is now open for a 30-day comment period.