it is mandatory to have fingerprints in your passport when traveling to the us.
But you didn't have to apply for a passport.
The ID, on the other hand, is mandatory
Discussion
I travel to USA without fingerprints?? (From Canada)
It's a german thing …. since 2007
US was just an example.
it is necessary in all countries that require a passport
I saw this when I arrived last year and registered my residential address. I identified myself with my passport and the guy at the city hall was like "oh Sir, you should get a new ID card." I then saw the scanner, asked about it, he told me about how the new IDs required the scan and I kindly declined. My passport is still valid for 6 years and I have no plans to stay here that long.