Topline
The Department of Homeland Security will require photographs and other biometric information to be collected from non-citizens entering and exiting the U.S., it announced Friday, advancing its crackdown on security and immigration under the Trump administration.
Evegnii Nessirio of Seattle, a Russian citizen who was scheduled for his citizenship interview, stands outside following a two-week closure of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) building and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office because of an employee who may be infected with the novel coronavirus in Tukwila, Washington on March 3, 2020. – The US death toll from the new coronavirus epidemic rose to seven on March 3 after authorities confirmed that a nursing home patient who died last week was infected with the disease. All seven US deaths from COVID-19, as the virus is called, have been in Washington state. (Photo by Jason Redmond / AFP) (Photo by JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images)
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Key Facts
The DHS announced a new rule demanding all non-citizens entering or exiting the United States to have their photographs taken, with permission to collect biometric information in some cases.
The regulation will apply to all airports, land ports, seaports, or any other authorized point of departure or entry.
The DHS said collecting photographs and biometric information will assist the DHS in strengthening national security measures by preventing visa overstays and identifying criminals and terrorists.
The new rule will go into effect on December 26, according to the filing.Forbes has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
Key Background
The Trump administration has expanded data collection on all immigrants and non-nationals visiting and living in the US. In January, President Donald Trump signed the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order requiring all non-citizens aged 14 and older who have been in the U.S. for 30 days or more to register with the DHS and carry proof of registration at all times. In September, the Trump administration announced a massive hike in fees associated with H-1B visas—a non-immigrant work visa that lets U.S. employers hire high-skilled foreign workers—claiming the program was being deliberately exploited to take advantage of U.S. citizens and create a disadvantaged labor market. The Trump administration has deployed National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon and Chicago, to tackle protests to respond to protests and crime against ICE agents and federal property.
Big Number
About 1 million. That’s how many people are processed to enter the U.S. daily, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.
Further Reading
