Protecting the National Security and Welfare of the United States and Its Citizens From Criminal Actors and Other Public Safety Threats
Homeland Security Must Access and Share Felony Records with Allies
What it does
Federal law enforcement must provide the Department of Homeland Security access to criminal history records and allow sharing with trusted foreign border authorities.
Real-world impact
- Immigration screening will use felony records to vet travelers and immigrants.
- Justice Department must provide DHS access to federal criminal history records.
- Felony records may be shared with Visa Waiver and allied countries for traveler checks.
Topics
Summary
This order directs the Department of Homeland Security (the agency that safeguards U.S. borders) to obtain and use criminal history records from federal law enforcement to screen and vet people seeking to enter or remain in the United States. The Attorney General and Justice Department must provide DHS access to those records. DHS may also share felony conviction information with Visa Waiver countries and other trusted allies for traveler and immigrant screening, with privacy safeguards and legal limits.
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”