Number: RL31512
Title: Visa Issuances: Policy, Issues, and Legislation
Authors: Ruth Ellen Wasem, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: This report opens with an overview of visa issuances, with sections on procedures for aliens coming to live in the United States permanently and on procedures for aliens admitted for temporary stays. It includes a discussion of visa screening policies, including inadmissibility, databases, an analysis of visa refusals, biometric visas and other major visa policy procedures. The final section analyzes selected issues in the 110th Congress, notably new technologies, impact on travel and commerce, and security concerns. Summaries of key laws revising visa policy enacted in the 107th-109th Congresses appear in Appendix A.
Pages: 25
Date: January 24, 2008