The Biden Administration is being urged to created and enforce strong protections for the expansive biometrics database created as a result of immigration policy. The Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) database stores face scans, DNA information, and other information that identifies the individual.

Immigration groups claim the HART biometrics database could be used to target immigrant groups unfairly. Concerns over the individuals’ rights of privacy and civil liberties are the center of the concern. Controversy over facial recognition technology and the potential to create bias against people of color and immigrants are a concern. Previous research on these and other biometric technologies has proven to create discrimination on marginalized communities in some instances. A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that facial recognition programs more often misidentify individuals of some races than other races. As such, the results are not as reliable for people of color and could lead to errors when enforcing laws.

In October 2021, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy asked the public to contribute their thoughts on biometric technologies, including voice signature identification and DNA analysis. The response period closed in mid-January.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previous system, the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) is being replaced by HART. Data in HART may be shared with other U.S. government agencies and foreign governments, further creating concern.

DNA data collected is used, from time to time, to verify whether a child crossing the border with an adult is the child of that individual. However, more information may be gathered in that DNA test, including predicting traits such as addiction, potential future health concerns, and more. Concern over how that information will be used in the immigration process was also voiced.

Providers of facial recognition technology state accuracy concerns can be addressed. By setting strict accuracy requirements of the technology used before deployment, inaccuracy can be limited. Ensuring the provider of the technology is maintaining their image search engine also reduced inaccuracy. Providers of biometric platforms say their product helps with immigration enforcement, including an early warning.

If you have questions about the biometric records or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. We actively monitor ongoing policies and immigration processes to ensure our clients get the right advice.

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