DHS offers “disturbing new excuses” to seize kids’ biometric data, expert says
Civil and digital rights experts are raising alarm over a proposed rule change by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that could significantly expand the government’s ability to collect sensitive biometric data from immigrants. This controversial rule would enable DHS agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to gather a wide array of biometric identifiers, such as facial imagery, fingerprints, palm prints, iris scans, and voice prints, from all immigrants, without any age restrictions. Furthermore, the proposal includes the potential collection of DNA samples, which DHS has indicated would be limited to specific circumstances, primarily to verify familial relationships. However, the broad nature of the rule raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of such sensitive information.
The financial implications of this rule change are also substantial. DHS estimates that the annual cost to taxpayers could reach $288.7 million, with $57.1 million earmarked specifically for DNA collection. Additionally, the costs for immigrants who must submit their biometric data could add up to around $231.5 million annually. Experts warn that if DNA testing is conducted more extensively than currently anticipated, these costs could escalate even further. Critics argue that the financial burden, coupled with the invasion of privacy, poses significant ethical and civil rights concerns, especially for vulnerable immigrant populations. As the debate continues, advocates for civil liberties are urging the public to voice their opposition to the proposed changes, emphasizing the need for a careful examination of the implications for individual rights and freedoms.
Civil and digital rights experts are horrified by a
proposed rule change
that would allow the Department of Homeland Security to collect a wide range of sensitive biometric data on all immigrants, without age restrictions, and store that data throughout each person’s “lifecycle” in the immigration system.
If adopted, the rule change would allow DHS agencies, including
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(ICE), to broadly collect facial imagery, finger and palm prints, iris scans, and voice prints. They may also request DNA, which DHS claimed “would only be collected in limited circumstances,” like to verify family relations. These updates would cost taxpayers $288.7 million annually, DHS estimated, including $57.1 million for DNA collection alone. Annual individual charges to immigrants submitting data will likely be similarly high, estimated at around $231.5 million.
Costs could be higher, DHS admitted, especially if DNA testing is conducted more widely than projected.
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