Better visa tracking sought by lawmakers

WASHINGTON -- Many of those detained after the terrorist attacks had violated immigration rules, and lawmakers on Thursday introduced legislation to tighten how visas are issued and tracked.

Backed by senators from both parties, the measure would better coordinate background checks for foreign visa applicants and set up a sophisticated tracking system for after they arrive.

"This nation has now seen the terrible dangers associated with failing to enforce visa deadlines," said Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., an author of the legislation.

Also on board is Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, who for more than a dozen years has led panels that oversee operations of embassies, visas and consular services overseas.

At a news conference with Bond and Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Snowe held up four pages chronicling the multiple U.S. entries and exits of sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, convicted of plotting the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and other New York landmarks.

"Now we have a situation where no law requires agencies like the FBI and CIA to share information on dangerous aliens applying for either immigrant or non-immigrant visas," Snowe said. "Think about what that means -- we know that at least 16 of the 19 suspected hijackers entered the U.S. on non-immigrant visas."

The senators' proposal, which they hope to include in anti-terrorism legislation, would put in place automated entry and exit tracking, and visas would contain digital readings of the holder's thumbprint or facial screening.