US-VISIT to Require Ten Fingerprints

Robert Mocny, director of US-VISIT, a program run by the U.S Department of Homeland Security, attended the Travel Industry Association’s International Powwow and delivered a press briefing by where he discussed the controversial decision to change the requirement that international travelers scan ten instead of two fingerprints upon entry to the U.S.

Despite grumblings among the international press and fear of further delays, Mr. Mocny went out to bat for the change, saying it was necessary to improve security and to cut down on false matches with suspected terrorists and criminals, which require the traveler to undergo a time-consuming second screening.

By increasing the accuracy, Mr. Mocny says it will help make the program more efficient. The 10-print technology will be tested in 10 U.S. airports this year, and the full program will roll out between March and December of 2008.

Mocny said the United Kingdom and the European Union are testing similar programs, as are Australia and Japan.