Visitors to the United States, traveling through the Miami International airport can expect more security measures as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it has begun collecting additional fingerprints. The measure is part of the department's bid to enhance security by moving from the usual two fingerprint collection to collecting 10 fingerprints.

The DHS also said this will facilitate legal travel by more correctly accurately and efficiently establishing and verifying visitors' identities.

According to US-VISIT Director Robert Mocny, "Biometrics has revolutionized our ability to prevent dangerous people from entering the United States since 2004. Our upgrade to 10-fingerprint collection builds on our success, enabling us to focus more attention on stopping potential security risks."

Paul Morris, Executive Director of Admissibility and Passenger Programs, Office of Field Operations, CBP said “this change gives our officers a more accurate idea of who is in front of them. For legitimate visitors, the process becomes more efficient and their identities are better protected from theft. For those who may pose a risk, we will have greater insight into who they are."

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) consular officers and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for more than four have been collecting biometrics -- digital fingerprints and a photograph -- from all non-U.S. citizens between the ages of 14 and 79, with some exceptions, when they apply for visas or arrive at U.S. ports of entry.

On average more than 10,500 international visitors complete US-VISIT biometric procedures per day at Miami.