All 19 September 11 hijackers entered the United States with valid visas but three had lost their legal status by the time of the attacks, the justice department has said.
The majority of the attackers, 15, were from Saudi Arabia while two came from the United Arab Emirates, one was an Egyptian and another was Lebanese.
Only two of the hijackers entered the United States last year, in January and December. The majority, 14, were admitted in May and June this year. Their visas were granted for either pleasure trips, business or education.
Satam M A Al Suqami came in May this year as a temporary visitor for business but his visa had expired by Sept 11. Nawaf M S Alhazmi was first of 19 admitted, entering on a visitor's visa in January 2000. His visa also had expired.
Hani S H Hanjour arrived in December 2000 on a visa for studies, but became illegal when he failed to attend school. The hijackers' legal entries contrasted to actions of other suspected terrorists, who may have created false visas and identity documents, according to law enforcement officials once in the country, the 19 crisscrossed the country from San Diego to Maine before their attacks.

Bureau Report