Bush signs informant visa measure

By Kate Snow and Kelly Wallace
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush signed a bill into law Monday permanently establishing a special class of visas designed to help law enforcement attract informants and give federal authorities extra tools in the United States' campaign against terrorism.

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The measure "allows for the temporary admission of individuals into the United States to aid in the investigation and prosecution of terrorist or other criminal organizations," Ari Fleischer, the president's spokesman, said in a statement.

In September, the House unanimously passed the measure as an identical bill, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, also passed in the Senate.

The visas are known as "S" class visas. According to a Kennedy spokesman, the visas go to "a limited number of foreign nationals who have crucial information that is necessary for the successful investigation or prosecution of crimes or terrorist activities." Kennedy called the visas "a crucial crime fighting tool."

Federal, state or local law enforcement authorities will be able to request an "S" visa for any person living outside the U.S. who they think would be willing to provide information in exchange for residency in the United States.

Initially, those with an "S" visa receive temporary status in the country, but may apply for permanent status to continue living in the United States if they comply with the terms of their agreement with law enforcement.

In the past, a certain number of "S" visas were available every year, and each year Congress had to review the program. The program was set to expire again on September 12 -- the day after the terrorist attacks.

After the attacks, the Bush administration asked Congress to make the "S" visa program permanent and lawmakers quickly complied, according to Kennedy's spokesman.