Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced April 29 the launch of a border entry-exit system that aims to make it easier for legitimate tourists, students or travelers to enter the United States.

Ridge said in remarks at the National Press Club that the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indication Technology (VISIT) system will use biometric technologies to let legitimate individuals cross U.S. borders while also hampering the ability of illegal visitors to gain access.

Using identifiers such as fingerprints or iris scans, the VISIT system will create an "electronic check in/out" system for business travelers, foreign tourists, students or any other legitimate groups of people who are coming into the United States.

The initiative will replace the current National Security Entry-Exit Registration System and will be integrated with the department's new student-tracking system, Ridge said.