The Washington Times
Sen. Dianne Feinstein yesterday labeled as "unacceptable" efforts by U.S. border agents to integrate fingerprint databases aimed at identifying terrorists seeking to enter the United States illegally, saying it was time to "put the heat on to get this done."
Angry about a report last month by the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General that integrated fingerprint databases used at border ports by the U.S. Border Patrol and the FBI will not be fixed until at least 2008, the California Democrat's comments were aimed at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner.
"We have fallen another year behind schedule ... this is unacceptable," she said.
Mr. Bonner told Mrs. Feinstein that although problems concerning the databases preceded his arrival at CBP, he was confident that they would be worked out and that the system would be in place seven months after Congress approves additional funding for the agency's U.S.-VISIT program.
"We are moving forward, and I assure you we will get this done," he said.
U.S.-VISIT uses biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and photographs at primary inspection locations along the border using an inkless fingerprint scanner and a digital camera to verify the identity of foreign nationals. The new procedures provide access to shared databases previously available only at secondary inspection and will help inspectors determine the admissibility of people who want to enter the United States.