US upgrades to 10 fingerprint collection

[Kurt A]

Two fingerprints for non-US citizens are no longer enough

The latest security measures from the US Department of Homeland Security require collection of all fingerprints from international visitors, as opposed to two previously, at New York’s JFK Airport.

The department upgrade intends to enhance precautionary measures, facilitating safety in travel by accurately authenticating visitor’s identities.

US VISIT Director, Robery Mocny, explained that “Biometrics have revolutionised our ability to prevent dangerous people for entering the United States since 2004.”
“Our upgrade to 10 fingerprint collection [from 2 previously] builds on our success, enabling us to focus more attention on stopping potential security risks,” he continued.

The collection of digital fingerprints and a photograph from all non-US citizens at American points of entry has been common practice for over four years, by the US Department of State and US Customs and Border Protection.

“Quite simply, this change gives our officers a more accurate idea of who is in front of them,” said Paul Morris, Executive Director of Admissibility and Passenger Programs, Office of Field Operations, CBP.

“For legitimate visitors, the process becomes more efficient and their identities are better protected from theft. For those who may pose a risk, we will have greater insight into who they are.”

The current program compared biometric data to DHS records of immigration offenders and FBI records, which will be more accurate using 10 fingerprints.
One of the world’s busiest airports, JFK tends to require almost 14,400 international visitors to complete the US VISIT procedures daily.

The ten-fingerprint collection procedures have already been introduced to nine airports in the United States, including Washington, Chicago, Houston, and Boston.

The current ports of entry which utilise this technology are the trial airports, and depending on the results, US VISIT will decide whether to implement the same technology in the remaining American air, sea and land borders by the end of the year.

-eTravel