FOREIGNERS entering US airports and seaports from all but 28 nations began being fingerprinted and photographed yesterday.

Foreigners entering US airports and seaports from all but 28 nations will have their fingerprints scanned and photographs taken this week, in a tough new drive to tighten border security.

Civil rights lawyers in the US have said they planned to sue US Attorney General John Ashcroft and other officials, alleging widespread abuse of Middle Eastern men detained on immigration violations after September 11.