Biometric Checks Expanded to New US Ports of Entry

JEDDAH, 23 August 2006 — Visitors to the United State are subject to biometric screening at two new points of entry in California and Louisiana, according to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Biometric measures are being used at Fresno Yosemite International Airport in Fresno, California, and at the recently constructed Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans, Louisiana with effect from Aug. 15. DHS also plans to introduce biometric screening at the new pre-flight inspection center at Halifax International Airport in Halifax, Nova Scotia, DHS said in a communication circulated to Arab News by the Bureau of International Information Programs, US Department of State.

Biometric entry procedures to the United States were introduced in 2004 under US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) program to increase border security yet ‘keep America’s doors open,’ according to the programs motto.

The procedures consist of digital, inkless finger scans and digital photographs as a routine, primary inspection process at airports and seaports with international arrivals, in the secondary inspection areas of US land border ports of entry, and at US consulates around the world.

US-VISIT program is designed to allow border officials to quickly establish if a particular visitor should be prohibited from entering the United States; whether the visitor can receive, extend, change or adjust immigration status; whether the visitor has overstayed the visa; and whether he or she needs special protection.

For those entering the United States for legitimate purposes and with proper documents the system is designed to facilitate their travel while respecting privacy laws and policies, according to DHS.

US-VISIT currently applies to most visitors entering the United States regardless of country of origin or whether they are traveling with or without a visa. However, US-VISIT does not apply to most Canadian travelers.

In most cases biometric screening has in fact decreased processing time at US borders, according to DHS officials. Since the program’s inception more than 62 million people have been processed through US-VISIT. The program has helped to stop over 1,200 criminals and immigration violators from entering the United States, DHS says.