E-Passport

E-Passports "contain an individual's biographic information and a digital photograph on a contactless chip embedded in the document." The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) "requires that any passport issued after" the October 26 2006, deadline, and used for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travel to the United States, "must be an e-Passport. In addition, DHS will have the capability to read and authenticate these e-Passports. The U.S. Department of State has begun issuing diplomatic e-Passports and expects to begin issuance of regular e-Passports this summer [2006] to U.S. citizens." 

Related SourceWatch Resources

 * biometrics
 * illegal immigration
 * North American Union
 * Radio Frequency Identification / RFID
 * Registered Traveler Program
 * US-VISIT
 * Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)