If you need a visa to get into the U.S., get your fingers ready for the camera.
Starting on December 31, 2004, some land ports of entry to the U.S. will be using a security system called “U.S.-Visit” that takes a digital photo of travellers' fingers before allowing them beyond the border.
There are several specific points of entry in which this security system will be used. In Ontario they are the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge in Buffalo. In British Columbia they are the Peace Arch, the Pacific Highway, Sumas and Point Roberts in Washington State.
According to Mike Milne, a Press Officer for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the system was passed by U.S. congress and has been in the works since 1996 in U.S. airports and seaports. After September 11, it was modified as a counter-terrorism effort and it is now being rolled out to the 50 busiest land borders. Eventually, all land ports will be using it.
“All land border ports will be using the technology by January 1, 2006,” Mr. Milne told globeandmail.com.
The tool uses biometric technology to take a digital photo of one finger from each hand in order to determine whether the traveller matches names on U.S. watchlists.
The point is to enhance security, ensure legitimate flow through the borders and ensure the privacy of U.S. citizens, Mr. Milne explained.
“We can identify suspected criminals and terrorists almost instantaneously,” Mr. Milne said. “The inkless, paperless process takes about 15 to 20 seconds.”
Mr. Milne also explained that there are two other classes of cross-border travellers who will have to use the U.S.-Visit system. One is a Canadian “treaty trader” -- someone who invests heavily in the U.S. Another is a Canadian citizen who is going to the U.S. to marry an American.
