U.S. security officials will begin scanning all 10 fingerprints of most non-Americans traveling to the United States.

Man demonstrates the new 10-fingerprint scanner and its output on the computer at the American Embassy in Brussels

The new 10-finger scanners will replace the current two-finger machines currently in use. The Department of Homeland Security says the program will begin Thursday at Washington Dulles International airport. It plans to have the new scanners at all U.S. ports of entry by the end of next year.

The U.S. State Department currently uses 10-fingerprint scanners when it issues visas for travel to America.

The Homeland Security Department says the new program will help "keep dangerous people out of the United States, while making legitimate travel more efficient."

The United States has dramatically increased security at points of entry since the terror attacks of 2001.