By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterJAMAICAN NATIONALS are among travellers to the United States who will soon be required to have themselves photographed, fingerprinted or subjected to an iris scan before being allowed access to that country.
According to a report out of the United States, Home-land Security Secretary, Tom Ridge, announced plans on April 29 for a new US entry/exit system called US VISIT. It is designed to make entering the United States easier for legitimate tourists, students and business travellers.
On the other hand, it will become more difficult for persons entering the country illegally. He said the system will use biometric identifiers such as photographs, fingerprints and iris scans.
Responding to questions on the matter at Monday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Delano Franklyn, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said he was "not fully" aware of the new initiative. He said the details of the new system "have not been officially communicated" to the Government and therefore the matter would not be given official consideration.
The move is part of a plan by the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen security and improve service during its first 100 days, through the implementation of biometrically authenticated documents.
Reports are that the new system will build an electronic check in/check out system for people entering the US to work, study or visit. It will replace the current programme and encompass the Congressional requirements of the automated entry exit system.
The US VISIT System is a critical new border security and enforcement tool that will capture point of entry and exit information on visitors. This is part of the US Government's plan to increase security at its borders and protection for the nation.
In March, a senior special agent in the US Department of Justice, told a Jamaican contingent touring the country at the time, that Jamaicans, especially public officials, who are deemed to be involved in any acts of corruption, could be denied entry to the US, when the new system becomes effective at the end of this year.
In tightening security at the its ports of entry, the US Government has since deployed new technologies and tools at land, air and sea borders. It has set up the Homeland Security Command Centre, a round-the-clock national watch operation.
The new security measures are in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks on United States landmarks which left nearly 3,000 people dead and many others injured.
