Friendly nations now on U.S. screening list

LOS ANGELES - Tightening its defenses against terrorism, the United States on Thursday began fingerprinting and photographing visitors from some of America's staunchest allies upon their arrival in this country.

The Homeland Security Department estimated the new requirements would affect 33,000 visitors a day but would add only 15 seconds to the processing time. The fingerprinting is done digitally, sparing travelers from getting their fingers smudged with ink.

Ana Hinojosa, area port director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Los Angeles International Airport, said the additional screenings "will significantly enhance our security posture."

"Terrorists don't necessarily have a particular nationality, or a particular name, age," she said. "It's a moving target and we need to be able to adapt."

The security requirements were already in place for nearly all other nations. As of Thursday, they were expanded to 27 countries whose citizens do not need visas for 90-day visits. Those countries include England, Australia, Italy and Japan.

The program went into effect Thursday at the country's 115 international airports and 14 seaports and will be expanded to border crossings later.

At the Los Angeles airport, passengers arriving on a Japan Air Lines flight moved quickly through customs.

International travelers arriving at several airports across the country expressed understanding, though some were surprised.

Pauline Shepherd of Portsmouth, England, said she was "a bit taken aback" by the security check at Boston's Logan International Airport.

"It seems a bit over the top to me, having your photograph and fingerprint taken. I said, "We're only over here for a fortnight,' " said Shepherd, visiting Boston with a tour group. "It wasn't a hassle; it was just unexpected."

Jonas Beckeman, a 30-year-old computer technician from Stockholm visiting New York on business, was checked at the Newark, N.J., airport.

"I understand the concerns," he said. "Also, I'm from Sweden, so I'm pretty used to being regulated by the government."

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