The biometric technology allows the Coast Guard to digitally capture the fingerprints of illegal immigrants intercepted at sea. Instantly transmitted via satellite, the prints can be compared to the US-VISIT system's database of known criminals and immigration violators.
"The use of biometric technology is an effective tool which will help increase maritime domain awareness through the positive identification of those we interdict," said Rear Adm. Wayne E. Justice, Coast Guard Director of Response Policy in a press release. "This collaborative effort is helping to deter illegal migration by applying consequences through successful prosecution."
During its first year of operation, the biometrics-at-sea program collected fingerprints from 1,368 sea-going migrants, 90 of whom were subsequently prosecuted.
Also See:
Illegal Immigrants: The Issues and the Arguments
Oklahoma Not OK with Illegal Immigrants
Illegal Immigration Costs California $10.5 Billion Annually
Comments
Are you stupid or what pueto ricans are not illegal immigrants they are a part of the united states as to the u.s. virgin Islands what a jerk you are
The enforcement effort applies to persons attempting to enter the U.S. from Puerto Rico who are not legal residents of either Puerto Rico or the United States. Legal citizens of Puerto Rico don’t need to try to sneak into the United States.