Dear John,

 

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new rule that requires visa applicants and many U.S. citizens to provide extensive biometric information, including iris scans, voiceprints, palm prints, fingerprints, and facial recognition data. The law already authorizes collection of fingerprints and photographs from visa applicants. The proposed new rule would vastly expand the types of information collected and the people required to furnish it, affecting more than 6 million people every year. You can file a comment opposing this rule.

 

Imagine this scenario: You studied abroad, you met the love of your life, and you want them to come spend the rest of their life in the United States with you. Now: get ready to bare your body and soul to the federal government. Immigration authorities want your iris scan, voice print, palm print, facial recognition data, and, of course, your fingerprints. They will store all of this information from you and your future spouse in a permanent database. They may share your personal information with U.S. law enforcement organizations. They might also share this information with law enforcement organizations in your future spouse's home country.

 

The government is required to allow the public to read and comment on proposed rules. Comments are public records that anyone can read. The agency proposing a new rule must read all the comments and consider. The agency may make changes to the rule after considering comments. If a large number of comments are submitted, it will take longer to publish the final rule. You can read ILCM's comment here.

 

The comment period for this rule ends on Tuesday, October 13. You can make a comment by clicking here and entering your comment.

 

Here are some details about the proposed rule:

• DHS proposes maintaining an extensive database of biometric data—including fingerprint, palm print, facial recognition, photographic, voice print, iris image, and DNA evidence—on any citizen or non-citizen who applies for an immigration benefit or is associated with an application for such a benefit.
• DHS estimates that it would collect this information on more than 6 million people every year. This would cost of billions of dollars. The increased work would slow down the already backlogged legal immigration system.
• A pilot facial scan system at the border was hacked last year. Thousands of facial recognition files were accessed. Some images were posted on the dark web. The proposed regulation would increase the danger of personal data being stolen.

The comment period for this rule ends on Tuesday, October 13. You can make a comment by clicking here and entering your comment.

 

 

In solidarity,

 

Veena Iyer

ILCM Executive Director