Fingerprint check planned at US airports

Foreigners entering US airports and seaports – except those from Western Europe and a handful of other countries – will soon have their fingerprints scanned and their photographs taken as part of a new programme designed to enhance border security.

The programme, to be up and running on January 5 at all 115 airports that handle international flights and 14 major seaports, will let Customs officials instantly check an immigrant or visitor’s criminal background.