U-S residents with green cards, parolees and
some Canadians will have their fingerprints checked every time they
re-enter America by air or sea.
The new security checks were announced today in Washington by
the Department of Homeland Security.
They're part of the so-called US-VISIT program, which requires
border-crossing documents to include a digital photo and two
fingerprints.
The program -- which currently has 61 (M) million people
enrolled from countries except Canada and Mexico -- is being slowly
phased in.
Program acting director Bob Mocny estimates that the new
requirement, which will take effect August 28th will add more than
one (M) million enrollees.
The purpose of the program is to make sure that their travel
documents aren't forged and to screen out criminals.
