Is it an entire database of your travel history and criminal record and how do immigration officers use it to determine if you can enter or leave a country? What red flags can pop up from your passport photo/bio page? Cheers!
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The officer scans your passport to see basic info: Name, date of birth, country of citizenship, etc.
The passport page containing that basic info also shows a ‘code key’ that, when scanned, grants access to the chip which contains the same info. This helps the officer verify that the info shown in your passport is valid, and not a forgery.
For U.S. borders, once your basic info is in the computer, it can then be cross-referenced with various databases:
* Terrorist Screening Database (FBI)
* Border Crossing Information system of records
* Interagency Border Inspection System
* Other databases, including some created by other international organizations
Other nations do similar things at their borders. They’re checking for any red flags. If there are none, and the officer has no reason to suspect foul play, you’re granted entry.
Similar checks happen on the way out. Did you overstay your visa, or the permitted visa-free period for visits? Did you commit any crimes during your stay, and there is a notice stating that you should be detained? If not, you’re allowed to leave.
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