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Father, help us to maintain justice and to do what is right in Your eyes. Isaiah 56:1

The Department of Homeland Security posted a proposed rule to the Federal Register Friday that would widen the scope of its biometric information collection program. The department originally announced the forthcoming rule Tuesday, but did not file text of the rule until Friday afternoon.

The rule, which is more than 300 pages long, proposes six major changes that would increase the amount of biometric information U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement can collect. The proposal will officially be published in the Federal Register Sept. 11, and public comment on the rule will be open for 30 days after that.

The rule proposes sweeping enhancements to the department’s biometric information collection practices. It redefines the term “biometric” and makes five other recommendations expanding the instances during which DHS can require collection of biometric information as well as increasing the type of biometric information it can collect. . . .

The department proposes the definition of the word “biometrics” should mean “the measurable biological (anatomical and physiological) or behavioral characteristics used for identification of an individual.”

DHS wants to add the collection of  palm prints, photographs for facial recognition, voice prints, iris images and DNA for tests to determine genetic relationships to its pre-existing biometric practices, which include collecting fingerprints and signatures of immigrants.

While biometric technology was previously used for background checks only, the new rule suggests collection should be required for identity enrollment, verification, and management and the production of secure identity documents in addition.

The language of the rule leaves room more purposes, too: It says biometric collection should be authorized for “other functions related to administering and enforcing the immigration and naturalization laws.”

According to the department’s estimate, the rule change would grow the population of people submitting biometric information from 3.90 million to 6.07 million. The collection rate across all types of forms would increase from 46% to over 70%.

(Excerpt from Next Gov. Article by Mila Jasper. Photo Credit: Unsplash.)

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Joan Diane Bartruff
September 17, 2020

Heavenly Father, Guide our government leaders, departments according to Your will as it pertain to immigration and immigrants. You know the way. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Vina M Elias
September 17, 2020

Father God Your Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven In The Mighty Name Of Jesus Christ Your Son And Our Lord Amem

4
JOE WOLFE
September 16, 2020

I don’t want to see this implemented. Too much power given to the government. I don’t want them to have this much information on immigrants. Some day it will be used on the rest of us for wrong motives.

12
    Donna
    September 16, 2020

    Depends on who has power. Good or evil. And it could change over night. DNA is pretty definite proof of crimes like setting these fires. Or facial recognition. And you are right it will be all of us.

    3

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