Border Security: Security of New Passports and Visas Enhanced, but More Needs to be Done to Prevent Their Fraudulent Use

摘要

Travel documents are often used fraudulently in attempts to enter the United States. The integrity of U.S. passports and visas depends on the combination of well-designed security features and solid issuance and inspection processes. GAO was asked to examine (1) the features of U.S. passports and visas and how information on the features is shared; (2) the integrity of the issuance process for these documents; and (3) how these documents are inspected at U.S. ports of entry. We reviewed documents such as studies, alerts, and training materials. We met with officials from the Departments of State, Homeland Security, and Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology, and U.S. Government Printing Office, and with officials at seven passport offices, nine U.S. ports of entry, two U.S. consulates in Mexico, and two Border Crossing Card production facilities. GAO recommends that State and DHS better plan for new generations of passports and visas, address potential vulnerabilities in the acceptance process of U.S. passport applications, utilize the electronic features of the new e-passport, better use the biometric feature of BCCs, and provide inspectors with systematic training prior to the issuance of new travel documents. State and DHS agreed with our recommendations.