§1722 Interoperable Law Enforcement and Intelligence Data System with Name-matching Capacity and Training

Summary

The Immigration and Naturalization Service must combine all its databases about noncitizens into one system that links with a new federal electronic system. When work on the required plan starts, the President must build and run that linked system (called the “Chimera” system) so officials can quickly check federal law enforcement and intelligence databases to help decide visas, admissibility, or deportation. The President must talk with the head of NIST and other agencies when making the system. The system must follow the technology standard set under section 1379. Consular officers, officials who decide admissibility or deportability, and designated law enforcement or intelligence officers must have easy access, except the President must set rules to limit access to sensitive intelligence under other federal laws. The system must handle different name formats, use language-aware search methods, give good user support, use commercial technology when practical, and be improved over time. The name searches must handle varied spellings, transliterations, and name element changes and use advanced linguistic and statistical methods. At least 4 priority languages must have special algorithms chosen by the Secretary of State after consulting the Attorney General and the Director of Central Intelligence. The top language must be ready within 18 months after May 14, 2002, and one more language must be added each year for the next three years. The Secretary of State and Attorney General must set procedures so officers can get help with identity or name questions. The President must report progress to Congress six months after May 14, 2002. The Director of Central Intelligence must issue a required survey report within 60 days after May 14, 2002, and must issue required guidelines within 120 days. Money needed to carry out these rules may be appropriated.