Security Check for Greencard Holders

Under the new security check procedure announced Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. permanent residents with green cards will have their fingerprints checked every time they re-enter the U.S. by air or sea. According to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register, parolees and some Canadians will also need to undergo this procedure but the new program won't apply to Mexicans coming into the U.S. with a border crossing card. Canadians who cross the border to shop, visit or take a holiday won't need to enroll in the program. Canadians nurses, agricultural workers, students and religious workers will only have their fingerprints checked at land ports if they do not have proper documents or Customs and Border Protection officials question the validity of their documents.

There are between 8 million and 12 million legal permanent residents in the United States. The new procedure is part of the so-called US-VISIT program, which requires border-crossing documents to include a digital photograph and two fingerprints. The program currently has 61 million people enrolled from countries other than Canada and Mexico.

The proposed requirements may take effect on August 28. To know more about the program, visit this link: US-VISIT.