According to TheRegister.com, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed a sweeping expansion of biometric data collection that would affect immigrants and even US citizens linked to immigration cases. The rule, published on September 14, 2020, would require “any applicant, petitioner, sponsor, supporter, derivative, dependent, beneficiary, or individual filing or associated with a benefit request” to submit biometrics regardless of citizenship status. DHS wants authority to collect DNA, voice prints, ocular imagery, and other biometric data from anyone connected to immigration applications, including family-based visa petitions. The agency also seeks to collect biometrics from “any alien apprehended, arrested or encountered by DHS” and wants to keep partial DNA profiles. Public comments are being accepted until January 2, 2021, with nearly all submissions so far being negative about what critics call government overreach.
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What’s really happening here
This isn’t just about updating old fingerprint systems. DHS is fundamentally redefining what “biometrics” means to include pretty much any biological or behavioral characteristic they can measure. We’re talking about moving from basic fingerprints and photos to DNA collection, voice recognition, and eye scans. And here’s the thing – they want this authority to automatically cover any new biometric technologies that get developed in the future.
The justification is always the same: identity verification and fraud prevention. But when you start collecting DNA from US citizens just because they’re sponsoring a family member’s visa application, that’s a massive leap. Basically, if you’re a US citizen helping someone with immigration paperwork, the government wants your biological data too.
<h2 id="privacy-concerns”>Why this should worry you
Look, biometric data isn’t like a password you can reset if it gets compromised. Your face, your voice, your DNA – that’s you. Once that data is in a government database, where does it go? Who gets access? The proposal mentions using this data for “national security and criminal history checks” and “production of secure identity documents,” but those are pretty broad categories.
And let’s talk about the technology itself. Facial recognition systems are notoriously bad at accurately identifying people of color. Voice recognition can be spoofed with AI. DNA collection for family relationship verification? That’s opening up all sorts of privacy can of worms. What happens to that DNA data afterward? The rule says they’d keep partial profiles, but partial profiles can still reveal sensitive information.
How this affects Americans
This is where it gets really concerning for US citizens. Previously, if you were helping a family member with immigration paperwork, you might fill out some forms. Now? The government wants your biometric data too. Think about that – US citizens being required to submit DNA, voice prints, and eye scans just for being associated with an immigration case.
So what’s the precedent here? If they can collect this data for immigration cases, what’s stopping them from expanding it to other government services? Apply for a passport? Maybe they’ll want your DNA. Renew your driver’s license? How about a voice print? This feels like mission creep waiting to happen.
What happens now
The public comment period runs through January 2, 2021, and you can submit your thoughts directly to the government. The full rule proposal is available for review, and organizations like the National Immigration Law Center are already raising alarms.
Here’s the bottom line: we’re talking about a fundamental shift in the relationship between citizens and their government. Once this biometric infrastructure is in place, it’s incredibly difficult to roll back. The question isn’t just whether this expansion is necessary today – it’s what doors we’re opening for tomorrow.
