Guyanese comment on new U.S. security requirements
By Shirwin Campbell
Guyana Chronicle
January 6, 2004
Effective yesterday, travelers to the United States will encounter a new system where their fingerprints and photographs will be taken.
A statement from the U.S. Embassy here says that as part of the US visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT), "most visitors traveling on visas will have two fingerprints scanned by an inkless device and a digital photograph taken.
"These procedures will add only seconds to the visitor's overall processing time."
The Department of Homeland security programme is designed to enhance America's entry and exit system for foreign nationals requiring a visa to enter the United States.
"Through US-VISIT the United States will be able to effectively verify the identity of incoming visitors and confirm compliance with visa and immigrations policies, while continuing to facilitate legitimate trade and travel."
Guyana Chronicle gave the Man in the Street a chance yesterday to share their views on this issue.
Excerpts:
Maria Williams Sales Clerk.
It's a great idea, this is the first time it is happening and it is a great idea. It will do a great lot - for the criminals the fingerprints can help to catch them.
Shabana Azeez Sales Clerk
It is a great idea, they are scared of terrorists and they do give Muslims a hard time, if it makes them feel better then that is good they should do it.
Tim Williams. LBI Sugar Estate
I see no offense about it, it is good, it is better to be safe than to be sorry. All over things going on and it is the good that are dying, that they are killing.
Shawn Smith Self Employed
It is an idea; they will know the persons entering the country and they will also know if they have a good reputation.
Shema Henriques Student
Yes it's a good idea because they will know the people, through personalizing this they will have fingerprints of everyone and find them easier if they are in disguise or committed a crime.