CHRI (Criminal History Record Information) is government-held records about a persons contacts with the criminal justice system. It typically includes biographic identifiers (name, aliases, date/place of birth), fingerprints/biometrics, arrest records, charges filed, case dispositions (convictions, dismissals), sentencing and incarceration data, and agency notes (e.g., warrants, probation/parole status). Rap sheets/Identity History Summaries compiled by the FBI are the canonical CHRI format used for background checks.
Domestic sharing of CHRI is governed by federal statutes and DOJ regulations (notably 28 C.F.R. Part 20), the FBIs CJIS policies and privacy laws (e.g., Privacy Act, federal criminal statutes), and state laws/compacts that restrict dissemination and permissible purposes; international sharing requires statutory authority and must comply with privacy and export rules and any applicable treaty or agreement rules. DOJ regulations (28 C.F.R. Part 20) and the FBI CJIS Security Policy set limits on use, redisclosure, and retention.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) lets citizens of approved countries travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days without a visa, using ESTA authorization. As of Feb 2026, participating countries include most EU states, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and others (total ~40 countries).
DHS does not publish a single new list called "trusted allies" in the order; in practice DHS would rely on existing statutory/designation processes (e.g., VWP membership, "Preventing and Combating Serious Crime" agreements, interagency security reviews and reciprocity criteria) and make determinations based on reciprocity, security vetting, legal authorities and interagency guidance — so eligibility will be decided by DHS/DOJ on a case-by-case basis under existing authorities and policies.
The executive order requires CHRI exchanges with foreign countries to be "reciprocal" and governed by bilateral/multilateral DHS agreements that include safeguards to protect privacy consistent with law. Required safeguards typically include limits on permitted uses, data security measures, audit and access controls, restrictions on redisclosure, retention limits, and oversight reporting — usually specified in DHS/DOJ implementing agreements and governed by 28 C.F.R. Part 20, the Privacy Act, and CJIS security standards.
Yes — the order directs DHS to obtain broader CHRI access for screening and vetting, which could change how DHS screens visa applicants, VWP travelers, immigrants, and entrants by adding CHRI-based checks to existing processes; however implementation is constrained by existing law, privacy rules, appropriations, and does not itself create new immigration enforcement authorities. Specific operational changes (denials, detentions) would depend on agency implementing policies and legal limits.