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US Immigration Implements Biometric-based Border
scubacuda writes "The NY Times reports (free registration) that immigrations officials are putting in place a sophisticated new identification system that uses ID cards encrypted with digital photos, signatures, biographical information and fingerprints that have been issued by the State Department and the Immigration and Naturalization Service by the millions over the last five years. "With more information systems, there are more opportunities for abuse," said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, which is pushing the government to release more information on its biometric plans."
What if countries refuse? -- and I can't really see the rest of the world adding biometrics to their passports just becuase the US tells them to.
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Details here
The UK are intending to introduce biometric id cards - there's already been consultation (so called) about it. The US biometric thing was sited by David Blunkett as a reason for us needing them
charlie harvey's website
Sorry about the dropped tag above.
l
Found another reference that might be of interest:
http://www.gunweek.com/archives/2002/hs090102.htm
The countries that are members of the US visa waiver programme (allowing short stays in the US without a visa) are required to implement biometrics on all passports issued after October 2004, otherwise their citizens will be required to apply for a US visa in order to visit the US.
The article comments that the Irish are concerned about the possible damage to trade and tourism that would result from the reintroduction of visa requirements.
I'll be intrested to see how this turns out, but I think there'll be a public outcry here in the UK if there's an attempt to include biometrics on British passports.
So I guess I'll be needing a visa, then...
Yet another American who doesn't realise what a big hassle it is to get into your country. Did you know someone who applies for a green card has to give away all his rights at contestation? Are you even aware of the big friggin signs at immigration offices which 'friendily' remind the immigrant of the penalty of assaulting a federal officer, including verbal assault? Of course, combined with the fact that you have no rights at contestation, this means that if you don't say the right things, you are assaulting an officer. I can tell you, stepping off the airplane and immediately being reminded of criminal charges should you do something wrong does NOT make you feel welcome. And boy, don't the immigration people know this. Everyone in that airport who wore a uniform spoke to me in a smug schoolteacher kind of voice as if I was a stupid outsider whose only smart move ever was to come to the US in the first place (land of enlightment of course!), so maybe there was some hope for me after all. One hour to go from airplane door to airport door, and we didn't have to wait for our luggage. Sounds like a fun way to start a relaxing holiday huh?