Upgraded biometric technology in place at major U.S. ports of entry

Since 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S.-VISIT program has utilized biometric technology at major U.S. ports of entry to facilitate visitor entry. Last week, DHS announced that upgraded biometric technology is in place at major U.S. ports of entry. The upgrade is a change from a two to a ten fingerprint collection standard. According to DHS, the 10 fingerprint collection standard makes the entry process faster and more accurate.

Currently, certain non-U.S. citizens arriving at U.S. air, land and sea ports of entry with nonimmigrant visas or those traveling without a visa as part of the Visa Wavier Program (VMP) are subject to U.S.-VISIT procedures.

As of January 18, 2009, the following additional non – U.S. citizens will be required to provide biometrics when entering or re-entering the United States:

• Lawful permanent residences of the United States (LPRs);
• Persons seeking admission on immigrant visas;
• Persons seeking admission as refugees and asylees;
• Canadian citizens who are currently required to obtain a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) upon entry or who require a waiver of inadmissibility to enter the U.S.;
• Persons paroled into the U.S.; and • Persons applying for admission under the Guam VMP.

Click here to read the entire fact sheet issued by the DHS.