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| Joel Pfeffer, Esquire jp@muslaw.com |
U.S. Customs and Border Protection -- the agency of the Department of
Homeland Security charged with controlling and protecting U.S. borders at all
official ports of entry -- has automated the I-94 arrival and departure form and
placed it online.
The I-94 form provides foreign visitors with evidence that they have been
lawfully admitted to the country, which is needed to verify alien registration,
immigration status and employment authorization.
Non-immigrant foreign nationals will no longer need to fill out a paper form
when arriving to the U.S. by air or sea. The Customs agency will generate
records of admission using traveler information already transmitted through
electronic means. Agents also will stamp the passports of foreign nationals.
Customs phased in the change at airports and sea ports over a month-long
period earlier this year. (Foreign nationals who cross into the United States by
land from Canada and Mexico will continue to receive I-94 cards.)
Going paperless will save the government millions of dollars and speed up
entry into the United States for visitors.
But what about foreign nationals in need of proof of their status to apply
for a driver's license, Social Security number or employment eligibility
verification? Travelers who want or need a hard copy of their I-94 can print it
off at Custom's website at www.cbp.gov/I94.
Many foreign nationals, especially those on business or working, may feel more
comfortable keeping a hard copy of the I-94 with their passports or other travel
documents.
This article originally appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Business
Workshop section. Business Workshop is a weekly feature from local experts
offering tidbits on matters affecting business. Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/i-94-cards-go-online-699927/#ixzz2d54PtpMg
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