Database systems are powerful tools used to store and manage large volumes of data. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is one of the many database systems in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses it to protect the country’s borders. This blog post seeks to answer the question: What databases does ESTA check?
After exploring the data sources used by ESTA, this essay will discuss their purpose and the potential consequences of their use.
What is Checked on ESTA Application?
When you submit your ESTA request, they store the form and information in a secure U.S. government database accessible electronically by border officials.
Several databases review your application data to verify your identity. It also checks that your passport was not reported stolen or lost. This contributes to the security of the US’ external borders and helps to combat fraud and terrorist attacks.
The review of your application should take no more than 72 hours. Although it may take longer in some cases, the average review time is much shorter than the estimated time. To reduce processing time, ensure that you correctly fill out the ESTA form when you submit it.
Does ESTA Check Criminal Records?
ESTA questions regarding convictions will ask you for information about your criminal record. They would ask this question if you were ever convicted or arrested for a crime that caused severe injury to any person, property, or authority. This is a crucial part of the application to distinguish serious criminals from those who have only committed a single crime.
Moral turpitude is a crime that “gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard” of the community in the United States. You will need to declare these crimes, and you may not be ineligible to apply for ESTA. These offenses include:
- Murder, rape, and kidnapping are all crimes against a person.
- Government officials can be hurt by perjury, forgery, bribery, and tax evasion.
- All crimes that take property from someone, such as burglary, arson, or theft.
If you were arrested, charged, or convicted of a serious offense, you must tell the truth in your ESTA application. If you have been convicted of a serious crime, you must answer “Yes” to the question. You may not receive an approved ESTA application; instead, we will help you apply for a visa. Lies can have serious consequences. Your application will be denied, and you may also be unable to apply for a visa.
Can you still get an ESTA authorization if you have a criminal record?
You can still get ESTA if you have not been an adult and did the crime. If your sentence was a minimum of six months or a maximum of one year, you might be eligible for an ESTA.
You must consult legal counsel if you intend to answer the question in the application. It is essential to clear any doubts and keep yourself safe. Even if your ESTA application is approved, it will not guarantee entry to the United States. Even if your ESTA criminal record check passes, border patrol can still review your criminal history and deny access.
What databases does ESTA Check?
ESTA uses the country of residence of applicants to screen applications. Participating countries in the VWP can share information with U.S. authorities. They coordinate security issues affecting ESTA applicants. The Visa Waiver program updates its list every two years. This is to ensure that they assess each country’s security and terrorist activities.
Terrorist Screening Centre – TSC
The official ESTA website has a complicated algorithm. It allows you to quickly cross-check your personal information against multiple worldwide databases (including the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDCThe Department of Health (CDC) must conduct thorough investigations. It will help determine if applicants are suffering from a communicable disease that could harm the public’s health.
Other Databases that ESTA may Check
Research databases created by the ESTA allow users to input their personal and travel information. This will help them see whether or not they will be approved to travel to the U.S. as a part of the Visa Waiver Program. The database checks passengers against several databases to verify if they have:
- ESTA-approved passport
- An up-to-date passport photo
- Proof of funds
Once submitted, the ESTA databases will notify the passengers’ eligibility. Approved passengers are permitted to stay in the U.S. for ninety days or fewer while they conduct approved activities.
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA provides several research databases that allow travelers to check their eligibility to enter the US. They will provide information on rules and regulations regarding entry. The Department of Homeland Security maintains the ESTA and offers a variety of databases, including:
- The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- National Targeting Center (NTC)
The US Customs and Border Protection – CBP
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. It is responsible for regulating and facilitating the following:
- International trade
- Collecting import duties
- Enforcing immigration laws
Protecting the nation’s borders from:
- Terrorists
- Drug smugglers
- Illegal immigrants
- Other criminals.
CBP officers are stationed at ports of entry throughout the United States. They inspect:
- Incoming cargo shipments
- Monitor travelers entering and Exiting the country at airports or land crossings.
Border officials verify visa documents presented by visitors seeking to enter the US. The CBP works with government agencies in both countries to ensure secure travel between them. Their main goal is to keep our borders safe while promoting legitimate trade and travel.
Counter Terrorism
Anticipate and detect terrorist threats, weapons, and actions to protect the economy and people of the United States.
Combat Transnational Crime
Detect, deter, and disrupt transnational organized criminal activity threatening U.S. economic and national security interests at the border.
Secure the Border
Protect the Homeland by the air, sea, and maritime environments from illegal entry, illicit activities, or any other threat to national sovereignty and promote economic and national security.
Facilitate Legal Trade and Protect Revenue
Enable fair, compliant, and competitive trade and enforce U.S. law to ensure the American people’s safety, prosperity, and economic security.
Facilitate Legal Travel
Enhance, Enable and Transform the Travel Experience by anticipating, detecting, and intercepting threats before and at ports of Entry
National Targeting Center
The National Targeting Center (NTC) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection division, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. The NTC’s mission is to identify, analyze, and refer high-risk cargo shipments. For further inspection or investigation by agencies such as:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
They also work with international law enforcement partners to detect suspicious activity. These occurrences may be related to terrorist threats abroad that impact US security. In addition, it assists in identifying potential immigration violations. It could be occurring at US ports of entry and overseas preclearance locations.
What Databases does ESTA Check? – Let’s Conclude
In conclusion, ESTA checks various databases. They confirm the identity, nationality, and background of potential travelers using the program. Generally, ESTA contains passport and traveler information. They compare it against the following:
- The US Department of State’s records
- Data from the US
- Foreign governments
- Verification systems of international agencies
- The Interpol Terrorism Database
- The Visa Waiver Program Database
These records all help to ensure that those using ESTA are valid travelers and are a low risk to US security and public safety. Although if you have any additional questions, please check our ESTA questions page to further information.