What type of vetting entails checks conducted within DHS systems?

Internal vetting refers to checks conducted within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) systems. This type of vetting focuses on reviewing and analyzing data and information already available within internal databases and systems of the DHS. It enables the department to assess individuals against various criteria, utilizing a comprehensive range of data sources to identify any potential security or immigration concerns.

This process is vital for maintaining national security and ensuring that individuals who are being assessed, whether for immigration applications or other DHS functions, are properly vetted against existing records and intelligence. By conducting internal vetting, DHS can effectively leverage the vast amount of information collected by its agencies and systems to make informed decisions related to security and public safety.

In contrast, external vetting would involve assessments that include data from outside sources, while secondary vetting typically refers to additional checks that occur after initial assessments. Public safety vetting is a broader category that is not specifically defined by the use of internal DHS systems for processing individuals. This distinction emphasizes the importance of internal systems in the broader context of DHS operations.