US VISIT recently produced a white paper on privacy, called 'US-VISIT Privacy Protections and Protocols.' The paper outlines the importance and integrated role of privacy within the program, detailing three key elements of US-VISIT's success in protecting privacy: upholding accountability through public transparency, maintaining a well-managed and articulated redress policy and supporting strict data protocols.

Data about persons processed through US-VISIT is securely stored on systems that have been certified and accredited and made available only to authorized officials and selected law enforcement agencies. US-VISIT vigilantly protects the personal information from misuse by anyone within or outside the government. US-VISIT's policy extends to non-U.S. citizens most of the same privacy protections afforded by law to U.S. citizens. Privacy experts and key privacy organizations have recognized US-VISIT's transparent privacy practices. In fact, privacy advocates have recognized US-VISIT's Privacy Impact Assessments as models of transparency.

US-VISIT provides biometrics based identity management services to entities throughout the U.S. government. Most international travelers applying to enter the United States experience US-VISIT procedures--the collection of digital fingerprints and a photograph. In fact, State Department consular officers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers use US-VISIT biometric identity management services to establish and verify travelers' identities.