The U.S. Department of Justice has agreed to strengthen cooperation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on immigration policies, focusing on overhauling the automated entry and exit mutual use system and preventing illegal immigration.
On Monday, the Department announced that Cha Yong-ho, head of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau, met with Seong-hyeon Ha, Director of International Cooperation at CBP. They discussed revamping the Korea-U.S. automated entry and exit mutual use system, strategies to prevent illegal immigration, and sharing information on detecting forged documents.
During the meeting, Cha proposed establishing a hotline between the immigration authorities of both countries to enhance cooperation on entry and immigration policies. He also requested CBP’s assistance in this matter.
Additionally, Cha called for ongoing support and attention for immigration liaison officers from the Department of Justice stationed at Washington Dulles Airport. These officers are responsible for detecting forged passports and gathering information on illegal entries.
Since 2008, the Department has been dispatching personnel from the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau to Washington Dulles Airport as immigration liaison officers. This arrangement is based on the Declaration of Principles (DOP) regarding the mutual dispatch of liaison officers between Korea and the U.S.
In response, Director Ha emphasized the need to expedite practical discussions. He aims to ensure that cooperation between the two countries in detecting forged documents and improving the automated entry system leads to tangible results.
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice stated that it will continue to strengthen international cooperation on entry and immigration policies with major countries, including the U.S. This effort aims to enhance the convenience of overseas travel and residency for the citizens and expatriates.