IBIA releases white paper on biometric entry-exit at U.S. ports of entry

The International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) has released a new white paper titled “Closing the Loop: Completing Biometric U.S. Entry-Exit” that outlines the growing need for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to partner with the biometrics industry and fulfil its longstanding mandate for biometric exit.

In a statement, the IBIA says that the threat environment is changing worldwide and demands a new approach to border controls and national security and that biometrics are a critical tool for fighting identity fraud, visa overstays and terrorism.

The white paper discusses the various arguments against biometric exit and addresses myths concerning the effectiveness of biographical data and shows how common assumptions about costs and logistics of a biometric entry-exit system are out of date and misleading.

“All around the world we are seeing countries use biometric technologies for their entry-exit programs,” says Tovah LaDier, Managing Director of the IBIA. “The UK, France, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, the Gulf States, and more have implemented biometrics for exit screening in response to the current state of global conflict. Now is the time for DHS to partner with the biometrics industry so the U.S. can take its rightful place as a leader in global security.”

The IBIA recommends that the DHS begin a formal partnership with the biometrics industry to turn its operating concept into rigorous and innovative technical standards by providing guidance in defining the niche products called for by the biometric exit initiative and working with industry to reach a common understanding about a current, realistic cost estimate to reflect changes in market conditions.

Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that states that the DHS has not fulfilled statutory requirements to implement a biometric exit capability and report data on overstays and advised the DHS to reveal a new time frame for implementing a biometric exit system at U.S. airports.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  DHS  |  IBIA  |  port security  |  terrorism  |  white paper