Finger Print scanning

[taylory2j]

Hey Folks

I just wondered why do the USA airports have finger print scanners for upon entry into the US???

Im worried because im due to fly to Florida in January and back 2005 i was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and was fined �85.I haven't applied for a Visa because ive read the form you fill in on the plane which you can find here http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov/uploads/image s/n27a8u5IJKZnyI3zjJJC0Q/I-94_back.jpg and my offense doesnt come under the crime of moral turpitude.

When i did get arrested they took my finger prints and DNA swob from my mouth and im wondering if the US Finger Print scanners would pick up my offense.

I think i might be paranoid but id like to know the purpose of the US Finger print scanner and retinal scanner upon entry. Cheers Folks

[Buenchico]

Irrespective of whether your crime counts as 'moral turpitude', you're meant to apply for a visa if you've ever been arrested (even if totally innocent) or convicted of any offence. That's according to the website of the US embassy:
http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/ add_crime.html
In particular, the website states:
"Applicants who have been arrested and/or convicted of a drink related offense may be referred to the Embassy's panel physician for evaluation".

However, the US authorities have no direct access to UK criminal records (including fingerprints). European law prohibits the government of any EU country from making personal data (including criminal records) available to foreign powers unless there is 'justifiable cause'. (i.e. the UK can pass on information about suspected terrorists, drug traffickers and sex tourists but it can't generally open up criminal records to other countries).

Even if the USA has finger print and retinal scanners, they still won't know about your conviction.

Chris

[dzug]

They do it so that they know you are the same person who visited last time with your name and details. When they get around to having exit checks, then they'll also know it's the same person leaving as entered.

[VillageVicar]

You won't have any problem. However, the sweat on your brow, your shaking hands, indirect eye contact and jittery voice could cause the customs officer to ask more questions that usual, simply to confirm your intent for coming to the states...as long as you're polite, calm, collected and 'clean looking' you should have no problem!
A caution however, the police in the states are quite unlike ours here at home. One slip, one failure to use your turn indicators, one desperate wee in the bushes (yucch) and you may fund yourself at the mouth of an unsanitary tributary with an insufficient means of propulsion! ....if you get my drift! So pop on that Quakers outfit and have a great time! But NO drinkies! ...or you'll end up in the brinky! Bon Voyage Fr Bill