The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed a new rule that would expand biometric data collection to all individuals connected to immigration procedures — including applicants, sponsors, family members, and affiliated companies.
The proposed regulation, published in the Federal Register on Nov. 3, significantly broadens the definition of biometric data beyond fingerprints and photographs to include palm prints, voice prints, handwritten signatures, iris, retinal, and scleral images, as well as DNA profiles. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the measure aims to improve identity verification accuracy and prevent document fraud and misuse.
Under the proposed rule, no age exemptions would remain, allowing DHS to request biometric information from any individual, regardless of age. The rule would also introduce a “continuous vetting” system, enabling the government to reuse and periodically verify biometric data throughout an individual’s immigration record.
Previously, DNA collection was limited to cases requiring verification of family relationships or eligibility. If finalized, the rule would allow USCIS to store DNA profiles and test results in agency files and share them with DHS components or law enforcement agencies when needed, instead of discarding them after testing.
The policy would also apply to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents involved in immigration benefits. For example, sponsors in family-based immigration cases would be required to submit biometric data, while EB-5 investment program regional center owners and administrators would undergo ongoing identity checks as part of the continuous vetting system.
USCIS estimates that about 1.12 million additional individuals per year would be required to provide biometric data under the new rule. The projected implementation cost is $231 million annually, or roughly $2.3 billion from fiscal years 2026 through 2035.
The proposal coincides with a recent regulation by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. On Oct. 27, CBP finalized a rule mandating facial imaging and biometric data collection for all non-U.S. citizens entering or leaving the country. That regulation is scheduled to take effect on Dec. 26.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
