**GAO-07-1006**                      Published: Jul 31, 2007. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

Travel documents are often used fraudulently in attempts to enter the United States. The integrity of U.S. passports and visas depends on the combination of well-designed security features and solid issuance and inspection processes. GAO was asked to examine (1) the features of U.S. passports and visas and how information on the features is shared; (2) the integrity of the issuance process for these documents; and (3) how these documents are inspected at U.S. ports of entry. We reviewed documents such as studies, alerts, and training materials. We met with officials from the Departments of State, Homeland Security, and Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology, and U.S. Government Printing Office, and with officials at seven passport offices, nine U.S. ports of entry, two U.S. consulates in Mexico, and two Border Crossing Card production facilities.

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## Topics

International Affairs

Border securityForgeryFraudIdentification cardsInspectionInternal controlsInternational travelPassportsProgram evaluationSecurity threatsVisasPolicies and procedures