“IMMIGRATION LAW CONNECTION”

DHS just announced the elimination of the legacy arrival/departure form (Form I-94W) for authorized travelers from nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The use of paper I-94W forms will be eliminated for VWP travelers with an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) arriving in the United States at all airports by the end of this summer. CBP will activate automated processing for U.S. airports on a rolling basis over the next several months.

Applying for an ESTA became mandatory in January 2009, for all nationals of VWP countries. This requirement allows DHS to determine whether a VWP traveler presents a threat long before the individual boards a U.S.-bound aircraft.

The elimination of the paper I-94W form enables travelers to provide basic biographical, travel and eligibility information automatically through ESTA prior to departure for the United States —reducing redundancy and enhancing the security of sensitive personal information, as CBP stores and protects all VWP data electronically on secure servers.  ESTA registration does not affect U.S. citizens returning from overseas or citizens of VWP countries traveling on a valid U.S. visa

NOTE: The Visa Waiver Program currently enables the nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.