HSD signs on to e-signatures for immigration
- By Wilson P. Dizard III
- May 01, 2003

Tom Ridge
Olivier Douliery
The Homeland Security Department last week issued an interim rule clearing the way for the use of electronic signatures for filing immigration benefits applications.
Last month, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement unveiled plans to begin accepting two immigration forms online.
The latest action is part of the bureau's plan to handle more transactions online.
The rule, signed by Homeland Security secretary Tom Ridge, does not require that applicants use electronic signatures. The Federal Register notice announcing the rule said the e-signature regulation will help Homeland Security comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act.