http://usinfo.state.gov

19 August 2006

Biometric Checks Expanded to New U.S. Ports of Entry
Fresno airport and New Orleans cruise port now use digital scans


Visitors to the United State are subject to biometric screening at two new points of entry in California and Louisiana, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

As of August 15 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. DHS also plans to introduce biometric screening at the new pre-flight inspection center at Halifax International Airport in Halifax, Canada.

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. (See related article.)

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 U.S. land border ports of entry, and at U.S. 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, DHS says.

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 U.S. borders, according to DHS officials. Since the program’s inception more than 62 million people have been processed through US-VISIT. The program helped to stop over 1,200 criminals and immigration violators from entering the United States, DHS says.

For more in formation, see Visas and Passports and US VISIT.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)