Legal Question in Immigration Law in New York

Re: Biometrics

Biometrics generally refer to the various methods of capturing and identifying the characteristics that make humans unique such as fingerprints, faces, hand patterns, voice, irises, corporal structure and even walking patterns.

Biometrics is used in some documents that the U.S. government issues for immigration purposes. The new visas that are being issued to comply with USVISIT incorporate a photograph of the visa holder as well as fingerprints of the two index fingers.

After the implementation of USVISIT when a non-immigrant applies for entry at a U.S. Port of Entry information on the applicant with their photograph appear on the CBP Officers� computer terminal after they swipe a biometrics-enhanced visa on their smart terminals. In case the Officer wants to prove the identity of the applicant a digital scan of the applicant's two index fingers is done. The computer will analyze if the prints match with those stored in the magnetic strip of the visa.

Re: Biometrics

In the context of immigration law, biometrics is a rapidly emerging technology which uses physical, physiological, or behavioral characteristics to verify identity. Many countries, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, and private sector companies have already been using biometrics for many years. With the advent of the United States Department of Homeland Security ("USDHS"), this includes the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS").

Identification through the analysis of biometric data is essential to enhance international travel and business, deter fraud, and promote national security. Biometrics has become an integral component of everyday life in the global community.