Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced enhanced
travel security initiatives involving the use of biometrics (i.e. personal identification through finger, face, and iris). CBP is currently deploying new technology designed to verify travelers’ identities during entry to and exit from the U.S.
One such technology, “Biometric Exit (BE) Mobile,” is a handheld mobile device designed to collect biometric exit data in the form of 2 fingerprints from limited foreign air travelers during their departure from the U.S. The biometrics collected will be compared to biometric data from the traveler’s initial entry into the U.S. The BE Mobile device is currently being tested in the field.
At the Otay Mesa, CA Port of Entry, CBP is working to test additional biometric technologies and procedures that will compare travel documents to the traveler presenting them. The test is being referred to as “The Pedestrian Field Test.” The new technologies and procedures will be used by CBP during both entry and exit processes.
The goals of the new initiatives are to enhance national security and protect traveler identity. By collecting biometric information from travelers, CBP claims it will increase the accuracy of its internal entry/exit records, as well as its ability to identify foreign nationals who have overstayed their period of admission.
Questions on international travel or other immigration issues?
Contact GoffWilson today for assistance! Immigration is all we do.