US Immigration - Photo & Finger Prints

englishineire

Hi All,

Heading to the states in a couple of weeks and just wondering what their policy is on keeping tabs on people.

I hear you have a digital photo taken and a digital finger print of either all fingers or one finger taken.

Does anyone know how long they keep this info for?

According to the Data Protection Act, information should not be kept for longer than it's intended purpose (a little something I remember from college!).
Therefore, this info should be removed after my trip there has ended (handing back in the Green slip)

I've nothing to hide, and accept their policy on giving them this info because I'm going to their country, but I don't like the idea of having my personal info kept on file when in effect I've done nothing wrong.....

If anyone knows anything, I'd be grateful to hear it

Ruu_Old

Yeah you will be finger printed and a photo taken, in Dublin if you are going direct or at your destination in the US if you are using a stop over. I'm not too sure how long they hold it for. I assume until the duration of your time there.
When exiting the green slip will be handed back and also I think you have to use the correct exit procedure when departing the US (scan your passport on this machine after security), at least they have them in Chicago O'Hare. The US couldn't be bothered too much with EU laws anyway.

jdivision

englishineire wrote:

Does anyone know how long they keep this info for?

According to the Data Protection Act, information should not be kept for longer than it's intended purpose (a little something I remember from college!).
Therefore, this info should be removed after my trip there has ended (handing back in the

As long as they want. The Data Protection Act doesn't apply - you're technically on US soil even when you go through customs etc here so it's their laws that apply

Ruu_Old

Don't be too worried about the way the officers act towards you, may seem like they are being a little hostile but they are just doing their job. Hope you enjoy your stay and that it is a hassle free one.

LundiMardi

yeah, don't crack a joke to em or anything, cos they WON'T appreciate it.

Officer: Are you carrying any merchandise up to the value of $10,000? (or something along those lines)

Me: I fúckin wish!!!


Although, i'd say they've heard that reply a million times:)

Dellas

Try to go to the men officers as the women are scary!!!! For some reason they are more brutal here in Ireland than in the states. Mind you from the first time I got finger printed ever since when I go in I come up on computer and fly through immigration so Im glad they brought it in. We should have it hear also!!!!

John R

Dellas wrote:

Try to go to the men officers as the women are scary!!!! For some reason they are more brutal here in Ireland than in the states. Mind you from the first time I got finger printed ever since when I go in I come up on computer and fly through immigration so Im glad they brought it in. We should have it hear also!!!!

Oh no. We can't do that. The American tourists would complain about their liberties being infringed.

TBH the US imigration officials have always been rude, ignorant scum.

There is an easy solution though, don't go to the US. Go to Canada instead, it's similar to the US but with less crime and random violence.

Dodge

Ah jesus they're not bad. Just do what you're told and your dealings with them last 30 secs.

Only had one problem (in JFK) and that was at the height of 9/11 tensions

Dellas

Yeah I wouldnt even go that far lol.... They are a mix like any other nation. I have had run ins with the Irish Immigration before with a UK passport so you cant generalise.

The Americans from the Southern States seem to be the best . I hate their president but the people are ok , and I was in Canada and it was crap for shopping compared to USA. But have to say Canadians are lovely people from what Ive met.

The one thing I do agree with USA on is protecting our borders, there are far to many bogus people getting into the EU and it needs to be stopped.

Ruu_Old

Dellas wrote:

Try to go to the men officers as the women are scary!!!! For some reason they are more brutal here in Ireland than in the states. Mind you from the first time I got finger printed ever since when I go in I come up on computer and fly through immigration so Im glad they brought it in. We should have it hear also!!!!

In Brazil (and probably some other countries) they brought in doing the same to US passengers.

englishineire

Thanks guys, getting a bit off topic, but it looks like they keep the info indefinately.... the scumbags !

Brazil are bang on doing the same to the US people. I remember some news story about a US pilot or co-pilot being offended by it (which is rich) and giving the finger in his photo.... pretty sure he was reprimanded for this !!

Just goes to show what comes around goes around

breadmonkey

John R wrote:

There is an easy solution though, don't go to the US. Go to Canada instead, it's similar to the US but with less crime and random violence.

Wurd.

Metacortex

Ruu wrote:

In Brazil (and probably some other countries) they brought in doing the same to US passengers.

yeah i remember that.
The Americans freaked over it didn't they? Said something about it being unfair

philologos

when the US are involved you never know in reality how long they will keep it for

Our man in Havana

Jakkass wrote:

when the US are involved you never know in reality how long they will keep it for

They can keep it forever.