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Proposed DHS rule would expand the use of DNA collection and biometrics for immigrants

Fingerprints
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
A person gets their fingerprints taken.

A new rule proposed by the Department of Homeland Security would expand the use of biometric data and collection for immigrants.

The rule — proposed this week — would require immigrants to submit biographic data like fingerprints and DNA when applying for a range of immigration benefits with Citizenship and Immigration Services. If it goes into effect, the rule could also apply to U.S. citizens and legal residents who are applying for family-based visas.

Some biometric data is already required for certain benefits — like for people becoming U.S. citizens. And DHS is also allowed to ask for certain data for other benefits. But under the new rule, DHS would require biometrics for any applicant, petitioner, sponsor, supporter or anyone associated with the request — including children.

Members of the public are able to submit comments about the rule until January.

More Immigration News

Alisa Reznick is a senior field correspondent covering stories across southern Arizona and the borderlands for the Tucson bureau of KJZZ's Fronteras Desk.