Is this really necessary??
So sorry for being so late kids. I was away on, well let's call it vacation. On my way back to Japan, I was bombarded by the new rules and regulations that immigration would be enforcing as a way to keep Japan nice and safe from terrorism. Fingerprinting and picture taking. What? "But I've been a resident here for years and years," I say. " "Do you have a Japanese passport?," is their humble answer. "I, thankfully, do not," is my not-so-humble answer. "Back of the foreigner line, please." Darn...
Now I know that Japan is not the first to employ this line of defense to terrorism, the States having been the first. But the problem with USA's method is that they do not use it consistently with all foreigners. Often only the ones they believe to be threatening will have to go through the photo/fingerprinting song and dance. Japan, however, intend to ID all foreigners, regardless of their residence status. While this sounds like a good idea, I really fail to see how in a terrorist attack they would be able to use the information. In fact, I see more of a potential for its misuse in barring good people with the typical "I can't get a visa" immigration troubles from entering into this humble country. Immigration intend to employ a blacklisting system by fingerprint with this new procedure, so who's to say their policy won't change a little to blacklist the decent folks who hopped to Korea for a short trip to avoid overstaying their visa?
Fingerprinting for terrorism? Frankly sir, I don't buy it. But as a foreigner in Japan with no rights, what choice do we have but to deal with it, a sentiment that's actually quite Japanese, isn't it?
posted by Fudocom - Celina @ 2:48 AM
2 Comments:
Here's link that you will appreciate, Celina, that goes along with your posting. Love the blog!
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20071120zg.html
I love it! Thanks Kris
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