POEs to Begin Scanning 10 Fingers
By admin ~ October 16th, 2008. Filed under: General, Travelers.
POEs to Begin Scanning 10 Fingers
(06/26/08)
No longer will two fingers be enough to identify people who enter the U.S. on international flights. The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) has now begun using fingerprint scanners that require both hands, scanning all ten fingers, at these ports of entry. The new 10-finger scanners were first used at Washington’s Dulles Airport on November 29, 2007 and expects to expand the usage to more airports in 2008. Eventually, all international visitors to the U.S. will undergo the 10-finger analysis.
The new requirement is intended to identify foreign nationals who might be entering the country illegally. This expanded ID collection method is part of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program. The biometric data (10-finger scans and photos) collected by the port authorities will be used to identify terrorists, criminals and anyone attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. Currently, in other countries where U.S. Visas are issued, the Dept. of State (DOS) uses the 10-finger scanners to identify such criminals.
However, if you are a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., you will not be required to have your fingerprints scanned. Also certain Parolees (persons with Advance Parole or AP) will be exempt, as well.
