Problems remain in screening for terrorists, Shays says
Security gaps exist in visa application process at overseas embassies and consulates, GAO says.
Gaps remain in the screening process for issuing visas like those given the 19 hijackers before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, government accountability and homeland security officials told a House Government Reform subcommittee Tuesday.
Although improvements have been made, "weaknesses and gaps remain in the visa process that could be exploited by those determined to do us harm," said Government Reform National Security Subcommittee Chairman Christopher Shays, R-Conn.
Jess Ford, GAO international affairs and trade director, said action was needed to strengthen the process whereby foreigners visit American embassies or consulates to apply for permits to enter the United States temporarily for tourism, business or school.
Ford recommended enhanced interagency procedures for Homeland Security Department staff working overseas. He also recommended hiring more experienced consular staff with foreign language skills. As of April 2005, more than one in four mid-level visa-processing positions were either vacant of filled with entry-level staff, Ford said.
Also improvements in accessing FBI criminal data is needed, he said. In GAO visits to offices in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, investigators found that critical visa-processing posts "were staffed with first-tour, entry-level officers and no permanent mid-level visa chiefs to provide direct supervision and oversight," Ford said.
Congress charged DHS with setting overall visa policy, Shays noted, especially with putting visa security officers in Saudi Arabia and other key locations.
"But after two years DHS has no qualitative or quantitative assessment of visa security officer activities in Saudi Arabia," Shays added. "There is no strategic plan to guide deployment of VSOs elsewhere."
Most of the GAO conclusions were endorsed by both the State Department and DHS during the hearing.
"It is clear from our inspection and reviews that the department has made substantial improvements that have strengthened the non-immigrant visa process since Sept. 11," said John Lange, State Department deputy inspector general.