DHS submits finalized new immigration biometrics collection rule

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has submitted its finalized new rule for biometrics collection from immigrants to the White House to be signed, Law360 reports. The article suggests that the rule will be signed as part of the current administration’s effort to toughen immigration controls.

It is not, however, clear if the finalized version differs from the proposed version, which prompted nearly 5,000 comments and significant cricitism, as a spokesperson did not respond to Law360’s request for comment.

The proposal included the collection of more biometrics from immigrants, and add records for children U.S. citizens sponsoring immigrants.

Senior Official Performing the Duties of the United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Ken Cuccinelli said the measure will protect against identity theft and fraud.

Law360 notes a comment co-signed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Center on Privacy and Technology at Georgetown Law and the Open Technology Institute which warns the proposed change could lead to “virtually unbound” biometric data collection, including from subjects unaware of its collection and potential future use.

Article Topics

biometric data  |  biometrics  |  data collection  |  Department of Homeland Security  |  DHS  |  immigration  |  United States