The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a rule that would significantly expand its authority to collect and store biometric data—including fingerprints, DNA, facial and iris scans—from people applying for immigration benefits and potentially from U.S. citizens involved in those applications.
In a notice published to the Federal Register, DHS said it seeks to "amend its regulations governing biometrics use and collection" by broadening authorities in cases of "alien arrest" and by codifying and expanding DNA testing and long-term data storage. The proposed rule would allow DHS to gather biometrics from "U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents," regardless of age, unless exempted.
