The White House has released an updated National Strategy for Homeland Security document but does it say anything new? Prepared by the Homeland Security Council advisory group, the report outlines preparedness and prevention efforts, including border security, surveillance, biometrics and information-sharing. It covers ID cards, cargo identification and tracking, passenger screening and cyber-security threat detection and neutralization. In addition, the strategy discusses biometrics as an effective tool in establishing identity to help protect against terrorism. Also, it states the United States should continue to encourage countries that are not participating in the Visa Waiver program to develop and deploy biometric passports. The strategy asserts a need for enhanced screening programs involving various identity documents such as the WHTI and Real ID Act. Furthermore, the report said, the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology program should make continued efforts to expand its biometrics to 10 fingerprints, from two, when visitors enter the country. However, no mention is made in that section of the report of Congress’ requirement to implement the U.S. Visit program to track visitor exits.

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