Overstaying US tourists poses a serious immigration concern

The United States immigration reported that there have been hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors who have legal visas and illegally overstay. Although their entry is marked, their exit goes discreetly. This proves that the US needs improvement with its tourist electronic monitoring system. In 2008 alone, an estimated 2.9 million tourists were allegedly not screened in leaving, if they left. Immigration officials noted that there is approximately 11 million illegal foreigners on US territory. Congress has called the attention of the Department of Homeland Security about the matter. It wants a universal electronic exit monitoring system to be completed. To decrease illegal immigrants, Rep. Lamar SmithLamar Smith of Texas says that the matter should be a serious consideration. Sen. Charles SchumerSen. Charles Schumer of New York says that the funds from the economic stimulus package can be used for the system to be built. Since the 9/11 attacks, Congress has given more than $1 billion for the improvement of the entry and exit system. Several Congressional authorizations have been made to no avail.