Fingerprints at US Immigration

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Originally Posted by ChrisS

Is that your personal experience advice? From our experience, they had more databased information than we imparted during visa application/interview. We'll never be blazé/under-estimate US DHS databases.

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Chris. I was knocked sideways when about 10 years ago the CBP officer asked me was I still doing X job!

Where did they get information from? I never told them.

Easy answer. They conduct checks outside of the ESTA process. As you so wisely say, never be blasé about them or their processes.

[gavvy]

gemalto/govt/custome...ication-system

This is the company that runs the CBP IDENT system. The fingerprints you provide are run through various usa databases to check you are ok to enter. The photo was originally used to help id people if a hit was found. Now the camera is biometric and is used to id a returning visitor.

Going forward the IDENT system will be used to verify that the named person is actually the one that leaves the usa, thats the systen being tested on the Thomas Cook gates at mco

[fredflintstone]

I wonder how they handle identical twins.

[planefixer860]

Entering through Toronto you clear USA immigration there and its still kiosk and finger prints and immigration officer. Big bonus is on arrival at MCO you walk off plane straight to baggage and away.

[scooby99]

Originally Posted by Kazzyd

Anyone had any recent experience of flying into Tampa, were you photographed and/or fingerprinted there?

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We flew into TPA on 25th May; everyone holding ESTAs, Visas & US passports directed to the self service kiosks as usual.

Announcement made on our BA flight that there was definitely no longer a need to complete a customs form if you were entering on any of the above.

Fingerprints & photos taken plus customs questions all dealt with at self service kiosks.

IO then just glanced at our kiosk slips, stamped our passports & sent us on our way.

[stormflm595]

I believe they also take them so that if you commit a crime, or are in an accident (fatal or non-fatal), they can identify you easily.