News

Biometrics to be used for foreign visitors to U.S.

April 30, 2003

WASHINGTON -- Domestic-security agencies will begin this year to use computer equipment that recognizes fingerprints and other features to verify the identities of foreign visitors as they enter and depart the United States, according to an article in the New York Times. The article was based on a statement from the Bush administration.

The new security measures, which may include the use of computerized facial-recognition machinery, are intended to block the entry of terrorists into the United States and to verify that foreign visitors leave when they are supposed to, the article said.

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said he would move up the time table for implementing body-recognition technology, according to the article.

Many details of the biometric program have not been determined. But it is likely that some computerized fingerprint and facial-recognition equipment will be installed at some international airports, border crossings and seaports within several months, the article said.