The Background on DACA Biometrics
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was put into place in 2012 to protect undocumented individuals brought into the United States as children from deportation. Under this program, individuals can request deferred action, allowing them to remain in the United States temporarily. To apply for DACA, individuals need to provide personal information and biometrics to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as a part of the application process.
In 2022, changes are expected in the biometrics collection process for DACA recipients. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently proposed to expand biometrics collection of applicants and petitioners who are seeking immigration benefits, including DACA recipients. This new rule potentially allows for the collection of biometrics, such as DNA and eye scans, to be used for security and identification purposes.
How Would the New Rule Affect DACA Recipients?
If the new rule is implemented, DACA recipients would be required to provide additional biometrics, such as DNA, iris, and voice prints to USCIS as a part of the application process. This change would allow DHS and USCIS to expand their collection of biometric data about migrants, including DACA recipients.
While the proposed rule suggests that the collection of additional biometrics would improve the accuracy of vetting for national security purposes, it raises concerns of privacy issues. There are concerns that the government would collect this massive amount of personal, biometric data that could be used for broader surveillance purposes.
The Impact of the New Rule on DACA Communities
The biometric data collection has become a topic of concern among DACA recipients. Many individuals are worried about the privacy risks associated with providing additional data to the government. Advocates for immigrant rights are concerned about the potential mass collection of sensitive data that could be used against undocumented individuals in the future.
The new rule would also put additional burdens on individuals applying for DACA due to the additional biometric data they would need to provide, causing the application process to become more lengthy and complex.
Conclusion
The changes to biometric data collection proposed by DHS and USCIS would affect not only those applying for DACA but also those applying for other forms of immigration benefits. Though the government claims that this new collection of data aims to enhance national security, it raises concerns about privacy issues, specifically those related to data storage and its use in broader surveillance programs.
It is crucial to maintain transparency and accountability in the government’s handling of biometric data. Advocates for immigrant rights can voice their concerns by submitting comments to USCIS regarding their opposition to the proposed biometric changes in the comment period before the rule becomes final.
