Latent fingerprints can be made visible by dusting techniques when the surface is hard and by chemical techniques when the surface is porous. Today police in most countries use such systems, called automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS), to search rapidly through millions of digitized fingerprint records.

People use many different methods to try to remove fingerprints. Cutting or sanding them off or burning them with cigarettes or acid is common. Underworld physicians even assist with surgical procedures.

On a smooth surface such as glass or metal, fingerprints tend to stick very well. With your unwashed hands, you should have been able to make your fingerprint visible with either cacao or baby powder. Just a little powder applied with a brush should be enough to reveal your fingerprint.

Computerized systems contain the fingerprints of all who have had their fingerprints taken, most of whom never committed a crime. The fingerprint from a crime scene is compared at high computerized speed to any fingerprints in huge databases. So the answer is YES.

asylum seeker) or for 18 months (if an irregular migrant). After that, Eurodac automatically deletes the data. Indicate that competent asylum and immigration authorities can access the data.

The fingerprints tend to grow back over time. And, surprisingly, secretaries, because they deal with paper all day. The constant handling of paper tends to wear down the ridge detail. Also, the elasticity of skin decreases with age, so a lot of senior citizens have prints that are difficult to capture.

There is a one year period from the date of your last entry into the U.S. in which you must apply for asylum. After that one year period has ended, you are no longer eligible to apply, unless there are changed circumstances.