[Texas Pete]

OK, I know this is probably futile, but why do we have to be fingerprinted again? I mean, it's not like my fingerprints are going to be any different this time through! Don't they keep 'em on file? Can't they just do a criminal check on the old 'prints?

I'm sure many of you have wondered this, too. Has anyone asked the folks at USCIS why we have to do this? We're about to do our second Guatemala adoption, and so have to get fingerprinted AGAIN, apparently, but I know it's also happened to some of you who have been stuck in the process for a while, waiting on the first child.

So, does anyone know why they can't just use the old 'prints, saving us the trip to the USCIS office?

[havensd]

We're in the same boat with you! I suppose just in case you committed a horrible crime between the first time you were fingerprinted and today. Haha!

[audreysmom]

It's my understanding that they also check our records when the fingerprinting is redone. I think they just want to make sure no crimes were committed since the last time the fingerprints were done. Well, that's my understanding at least. Maybe someone else on the forum knows for sure.

[Texas Pete]

Well, sure, I can understand (kind of) that they want to do the background check again, because yeah, we might have gone on a bank-robbing spree to pay for the adoption.

But, they've already got our fingerprints on file, so why do we have to drive three hours just to put our fingers on the glass plate?

[havensd]

I agree with you. That would be nice if we didn't have to go through the whole process of waiting around the immigration office for 4 hours to be fingerprinted yet AGAIN, when they should already have our prints on file. I'm guessing that maybe they don't keep a copy of each person's prints when they are fingerprinted for their I-600A. Oh well, I guess just another fun stop in the road to international adoption.

[Texas Pete]

On behalf of annoyed adoptive parents everywhere, let me just say:

Grrrr.

(Thanks, havensd.)

[PattyR]

I actually did ask this question and I was told that they don't keep the fingerprints on file.

Now, ask me whether I believe this or not?????

Personally, I think it's just another way to get more money from us to help pay for that fancy fingerprinting machine! It is very annoying.

My adoption process for my daughter took so long, I had to be fingerprinted 3 times ---- still irritates me to this day!

Patty

[becky]

I think that their system is set up so that they only keep your prints on file for 15 months (thus the reasoning why your prints are only good for 15 months, even though your CIS approval is good for 18 months).

[Oceanmom23]

It's funny you ask this question, because we just went through this the other day. Our prints and records are about to expire so we had to update...look at my timeline that will explain everything...GRRRR!!! My DH asked this very same question about keeping our fingerprints on file and why can't they just scan the previous prints. Ready for this....they told us they do it so they can get the money.

[Gatos]

Here's a tip. Show up 30 minutes before closing time. Guaranteed, you'll be out in 30 minutes. Why do they make us re-do them even though they could easily re-run our records? Money. If you think our government doesn't enjoy having its palms greased, think again.

[WVUMom418]

I'm with you guys on this one. We are starting our 2nd adoption and in Maryland we have to go to 2 seperate places to get our fingerprints done (and of course neither are anywhere near where I live). Add to it that I have a son away at college who has to have his done also because he's over 18. I makes for a very frustrating process.

I had to pay $81 each for the 3 of us at one place and $70 each when I submitted the I-600a for the other set. Quite the money maker.

[Tamiswaiting]

If it's just about the money, I'd be happy to just send it in to "renew" the prints rather than drive there to get it done . It's a huge pain in the behind...

[JustBarbara]

Yup, I had to go back in town and waste a morning while waiting in line to get my fingerprints redone.

They only keep prints on file for 15 months - are you KIDDING ME ... of course they keep the fingerprints on file - isn't this part of what Homeland Security is all about ... seriously, they keep them on file forever (especially since most are done electronically) but just in case our fingerprints are altered in some way ... and then commit a crime ... they will be able to go after the right person. When I went my second time I had a cut on the edge of my thumb - geez, talk about being nervous that I would have to come back again. Thankfully, after about 10 tries they got a good reading on the thumb. - Barbara

Ka-ching, Ka-ching - think the budget at the fingerprint facility is ever in the red - NOPE

[Texas Pete]

Hey thanks, everyone, for the info! I guess I don't feel so bad, knowing that everyone else is in the same boat. I'm still annoyed, sure, but now I can share the annoyance with everyone.

[godfrey544]

Just thought I'd chim in here. My DH is an FBI agent, and even he had to be fingerprinted.....by the FBI! Too ironic. He did, however, say that fingerprints can slightly change over time through normal aging, cuts and scars, etc.. That's why they make you re-do them to keep them updated as much as possible. What's very frustrating is that I had to be fingerprinted for my job as a teacher, and separately for our homestudy, then within a week, by the FBI for the I600. You'd think they could all just share the info, or there'd be a master file somewhere with my fingerprints available to anyone who had proper authorization. But, that would cut down on those hefty fingerprints fees, now wouldn't it?? Hmm....Now we get to the bottom of things!
Anna