Proposed Rule to Collect Biometrics Data of All Non-US Citizen Visitors

On 11/19/2020, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), a branch of the US Department of Home Security (DHS), published a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding collection of biometric information from non-US citizens visitors at the ports of entry and departure.  

Under the new rule, DHS will create a comprehensive biometric entry-exit system for:

• Collection of biometrics from non-citizens departing from airports, land ports, seaports, or any other authorized point of departure. 
• Use of facial recognition technology on all non-citizens upon entry and/or departure. 

A pilot program has been underway for collection of biometrics information at land ports and also at up to 15 airports and seaports.  The proposed rule aims at making the biometrics program comprehensive at all ports of entry.  Public comments can be submitted on or before 12/21/2020 at Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments via docket number USCBP–2020–0062.