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Posted on 04/02/2004 1:29:07 PM PST by knighthawk
All Britons arriving in the United States will be fingerprinted and have their photographs taken, as Washington warned of a new terror threat.
Currently only Britons with visas have to go through the procedure on arrival in the US.
But under the new system, which takes effect on September 30, tourists who do not need visas to enter the country will also be digitally fingerprinted and photographed.
The change was announced by the Department of Homeland Security as security officials warned terrorists could attempt a Madrid-style bombing in the US.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security said in a bulletin to law enforcement officials that bombers could attempt to conceal explosives in luggage and carry-on bags, such as duffel bags and backpacks.
The bulletin cited uncorroborated intelligence as indicating that such bombs could be made of ammonium nitrate fertiliser and diesel fuel.
The bulletin said a "viable" explosive could be constructed of ammonium nitrate and diesel "that could be concealed in standard luggage".
Police in London arrested nine people earlier this week on suspicion of being involved in a possible terrorist plot and seized 1,000lb of ammonium nitrate.
The new fingerprinting rules for Britons - and people from 26 other countries - are part of a post-September 11 programme to screen arrivals into the US more carefully.
A Congressional committee found earlier this year that officials missed "many opportunities" to stop the September 11 hijackers entering the country to carry out their deadly attacks.
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