In Japan, foreigners entering the country are greeted by a new unexpected customs check. They are being fingerprinted as they enter into the country. Complaints are being heard from human rights activists, business travelers and residents as well. This new security check is a new process put into place as a new anti-terrorism policy. The head of Immigration in Japan stated “we want foreigners entering Japan to co-operate, and to understand that it is better for them as well that Japan be safe”. What are the consequences for not co-operating you may ask? Well, deportation is the answer. Any travelers who do not participate in this new anti-terrorism policy will be sent out of the country immediately. Some travelers, when asked, didn’t mind the new policy. They feel it makes Japan a safer place for residents as well as foreign travelers.
I think this is probably a more invasive policy than others have been in the past, but in order to keep security measures growing in sync with terrorist activity more invasive procedures are just the next step in the ladder. If the consequences of not co-operating are being deported from the country I personally would comply with the new regulations. I am able to see the angle the human rights activists are getting at but I do not feel this new procedure will invade the personal space or rights of the average traveler. Unless there is something to hide passengers should not feel this is a violation of their rights. This sounds similar to an article I wrote about earlier in the semester about Japan getting the retinal scanners for passengers as and anti-terrorism policy. I think this is more along the same lines. People may not feel as strongly about the retinal scanning because they would probably not take as much time and it takes much less effort on the passengers end than the fingerprinting will.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10477359
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