Jim Henderson wrote:
> Ah, I see - I hadn't heard of that before, at least not in this context.  
> Is this what's called the "Visa waiver program"?

	No. The original thing was "Special Registration":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Registration

	The fingerprinting, picture taking, etc  in the airports that you 
alluded to in the other post began as part of that program. Every male 
of a certain age range from those countries had to undergo that process 
- although the officers were free to require anyone from other countries 
to undergo it as well - as they saw fit. The announcement at the time 
was that eventually they'd require it of all incoming non-permanent 
residents - with a few exceptions (some or all EU countries, etc).

	The domestic special registration ended a mere year later. They kept 
the one at the ports. I don't know if they achieved the "goal" of 
requiring it of all countries (with the exception of the few).

	So it's during the very same fingerprinting session that they've often 
asked for credit card info. Why miss out on an opportunity to monitor folks?

	(Just bothered to read the Wikipedia entry. The current program is at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Visitor_and_Immigrant_Status_Indicator_Technology

Page claims it is now required of almost all countries (Canada being the 
only exception?))

-- 
If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.


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