DHS proposes billion dollar expanded DNA testing for immigrants

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(The Center Square) - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a multibillion dollar proposal on Monday to increase biometric scanning during the immigration process. The proposal would expand the agency's authority to take fingerprints, DNA, facial and iris scans. 

The proposal is estimated to cost $288.7 million annually and $2.5 billion over the course of 10 years. The department estimated it will increase biometric scanning to more than 3 million people.

The biometric scans will specifically target individuals going through immigration benefit and visa proceedings.  

Currently, DHS requires individuals to submit biometric information for 26 immigration-related forms. The new proposed rule would expand the department's authority to collect biometric data from all individuals applying through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to the filing. 

DHS can obtain biometric data from "applicants, petitioners, and beneficiaries for immigration benefits; any individual filing or associated with a benefit request, other request, or collection of information; and from aliens upon their arrest for purposes of processing, care, custody, and initiation of removal proceedings," the agency wrote in its rule filing. 

The department said a shift to biometric data scanning would allow it to reduce reliance on biographic data during the immigration process.  

"Exclusive reliance on biographic data may result in errors, misidentification of individuals, and the potential that immigration benefits may be granted to ineligible or incorrect individuals or imposters," the filing reads.

DHS also said it is looking to collect biometric data in order to combat trafficking, smuggling and labor exploitation. 

The new rule could leave U.S. citizens, nationals or lawful permanent residents also subject to biometric screening under the program if they are petitioning for an immigrant. The department said this is to verify identities during the family-based visa petition process. 

"The expanded use of DNA would enable DHS to confirm or non-confirm eligibility for certain family-based immigration-benefit requests where relevant," the rule filing reads. 

The rule changes classifications of good moral character requirements to include biometric tests. 

The department allowed for comments to be submitted on the rule until Jan. 2. 

"DHS proposes to amend its regulations concerning the use and submission of biometrics in the administration and enforcement of immigration and naturalization laws and the adjudication of any immigration application, petition, or benefit or any other related request or collection of information," the department wrote in its rule filing.