The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to publish a proposed rule on September 11, 2020, to expand the collection and use of biometrics by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Based on an advance copy of the notice of proposed rulemaking, DHS is expected to propose:
- That any applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or individual filing or associated with an immigration benefit or request, including U.S. citizens, must appear for biometrics collection without regard to age unless DHS waives or exempts the biometrics requirement.
- To authorize biometrics collection, without regard to age, upon arrest, for purposes of processing, care, custody, and initiation of removal proceedings.
- To define the term “biometrics.”
- To increase the biometric modalities that DHS collects, to include iris images, palm prints, and voice prints.
- That DHS may require, request, or accept DNA test results, including a partial DNA profile, to prove the existence of a claimed genetic relationship, and that DHS may use and store DNA test results for the relevant adjudications or to perform any other functions necessary for administering and enforcing immigration and naturalization laws.
- To modify how Violence Against Women Act and T nonimmigrant petitioners demonstrate good moral character, and remove the presumption of good moral character for those under the age of 14.
- To further clarify the purposes for which biometrics are collected from individuals filing immigration applications or petitions to include criminal history and national security background checks; identity enrollment, verification, and management; secure document production; and administering and enforcing immigration and naturalization laws.
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