First Look: New rule for US visa applicants

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First Look: New rule for US visa applicants

Syed Firdaus Ashraf in Mumbai | July 22, 2004

Consular Section chief Joseph Pomper and Consul General Angus Simmons carry out a trial run for the benefit of mediapersons Come July 26, 2004, the US Consulate will begin the process of electronic fingerprinting of visa applicants in Mumbai.

"It is a quick and inkless procedure and there will be no additional fees attached to this system," Consul General Augus Simmons told reporters.

The new 'Biometric' visa rule does not apply to children under the age of 14 and adults over 79.

Diplomatic and official visas, and those for employees of international organisations (A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-4 visas) are exempted from this process.

He clarified that the visas issued prior to the introduction of this procedure will continue to be valid through their expiration date and do NOT need to be replaced with a 'Bio Visas'.

"This new procedure is designed to facilitate travel to the United States by international visitors while maintaining the security of our borders, our nation and the safety of the traveling public. This rule is applicable worldwide to any person coming from any part of the world to the USA," added Simmons.

Photograph: Jewella C Miranda

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	Number of User Comments: 27

	Sub: Fear in the U.S. 9/11 was a long time coming and unfortunately, most people here have indeed forgotten about it. Fear is a good thing sometimes. People here need ... Posted by Tom Fitch

	Sub: thumb immpression i would rather suggest for the master card which includes not only thumb immpression but also the detail histroy of the foreign national and a ... Posted by ddpatil

	Sub: eyes have opened!! USA was too cool & relaxed in its security arrangements ...a bit overconfident ....these things sholud have been done long time back in the past ... Posted by Rajan Brar

	Sub: New Rule for US visa It has happenned in near past that the finger prints of the person who gives his prints in Mumbai consulate and then when he goes ... Posted by Pinal Desai

	Sub: this should be done no visas for americans firstly what usa is doing is very wrong and thats not the way through which he can control the bomb blasts u know one can ... Posted by madhur

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