DHS must access criminal records and may share them abroad

The Attorney General must provide DHS access to available Justice Department criminal-history records. The access covers DHS screening and vetting missions, including immigration and border-security work. Access must be provided to the maximum extent allowed by law. The order does not change other agency authority or the Office of Management and Budget’s duties. Implementation is subject to available funding.

The Homeland Security Secretary may share criminal-history records with approved foreign authorities. Possible partners include Visa Waiver Program countries, countries with serious-crime agreements with the United States, and other trusted allies. Sharing must be reciprocal and allowed by law. A bilateral or multilateral agreement must require privacy safeguards consistent with applicable law. The records may be used only to screen travelers and immigrants seeking to enter or remain in the partner country.