The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented security measures at four Niagara Falls border crossings, according to the Hamilton Spectator. The US-VISIT program uses biometric fingerprinting and digital photos to check the identities of visitors.
“Most Canadians won’t have to go through this process when they cross into the United States,” says Robert Mocny, deputy director of the US-VISIT program. Canadian citizens are not required to have visas since Canada and the United States have an agreement intended to facilitate the free movement of $1 billion worth of trade daily across the borders.
In 211 countries, visa applicants are required by the U.S. consulates to have the fingerprints of both index fingers scanned by an inkless digital process and to have a digital photo of their face taken. Canadians who won’t need visas include those attending school or working in the United States, those who are permanent residents in the United States, children under 14 and persons over the age of 79.
