fingerprinting for foreigners in America

[jingai]

According to this AP article, the xenophobic US is now demanding that all foreign visitors be fingerprinted. There is a widespread conception that foreigners are terrorists in this isolated nation surrounded by oceans on two sides.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Tracking-Foreigners.html

WASHINGTON (AP ) -- Foreign visitors arriving at U.S. airports or seaports beginning Jan. 1, 2004, will have their travel documents scanned, fingerprints and photos taken and identification checked against terrorist watchlists.

[Steve Bildermann]

Well Japan was well ahead on that issue. Up until a few years ago all gaijin irregardless of status were fingerprinted and issued a registration card, so it's nothing new here.

Wanna laff

Japan has now given up fingerprinting gaijin *but* there is talk of including fingerprints with the national ID system for Japanese citizens.

In a few years it may become a Gaijin civil rights issue.

Despite several protests Japanese Government once again denies foreigners the right to be fingerprinted and included in the National ID system. Local FG group claims racial prejudice. 'If they can figerprint a damn seal, why won't they figerprint me' an angry JET was quoted as saying

[gaijinzilla]

Good one Steve!!thumbs:

[Jack]

I am waiting to see who will be the first one to say it is understandable for the US to do so, but of course hell would be raised if Japan did the same. Not that anyone here would admit to it. Of course not....

[cliffy]

I am waiting to see who will be the first one to say it is understandable for the US to do so, but of course hell would be raised if Japan did the same. Not that anyone here would admit to it. Of course not....

What the hell do you mean Jack??

[GomiGirl]

Cliffy - long time no see.. what you been doing?

[cstaylor]

If I remember correctly, the U.S. is putting together a plan for all passports to have biometric markers that verify the person is who they say they are, and countries that want to have liberal visa agreements with the United States must do the same for their passports.

As long as the biometric data is not stored remotely and matched to your name, I don't have a big problem with it (it's like a signature), but when has a government ever willingly released power?

[GuyJean]

I am waiting to see who will be the first one to say it is understandable for the US to do so, but of course hell would be raised if Japan did the same. Not that anyone here would admit to it. Of course not....

What the hell do you mean Jack??

He means most FGs here would whine if it happened in Japan, but the same FGs would defend the US for imposing the same requirements.

Guess what, Jack? MY fingerprint IS on my Gaijin card. This was done long before 911. So what's Japan's reason for ALL foreigners to be fingerprinted BEFORE terrorism was cool?

Actually, it's funny how the tables have turned; The Gaijin are NOT fingerprinted anymore, while Japanese citizens are locked into a 1984 world.. I suppose this is a step in the right direction (?) You gotta luv Japan.

GJ

[vvx]

Well, if finger printing is really a valid method of discouraging terrorism, then Japan wasn't stupid to require it before 9-11. You don't secure your computer after you get hacked, you secure it before (ideally).

[GuyJean]

Well, if finger printing is really a valid method of discouraging terrorism, then Japan wasn't stupid to require it before 9-11.

I agree, but Japan doesn't fingerprint gaijin anymore.. And was the reason for Japan's fingerprinting of gaijin to fight terrorism? Actually, I don't know why.. Any insight?

So the computer was protected, then attacked, then the anti-virus software removed.. so to speak..

Omoshiroi..

GJ

[vvx]

I think finger printing is not a very good terrorism prevention method (though, perhaps it _looks_ good which is really what all the terrorist checks are about. The appearance of security.) As for Japan having used to, I really don't know. "So what's Japan's reason for ALL foreigners to be fingerprinted BEFORE terrorism was cool?" Just that if the reason was terrorism the fact that it was before 9-11 is moot. Perhaps they got a clue and realized it didn't do anything.. Maybe the US will get the same clue in a few years, and do exactly what Japan did, finger print and then not finger print?

[cliffy]

Cliffy - long time no see.. what you been doing?

Hi GG, I've been here there and (very expensive) everywhere, but had little to say. And my HP piece of crap went snap crackle pop, no rice bubbles