Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Trump Administration Proposes Expanding Biometric Data Collection for Immigrants
Imagine the government wants to make sure everyone who wants to come to the U.S. is who they say they are.
They already take fingerprints and photos.
Now, the government is thinking about collecting even more information, like DNA, eye scans, and voice recordings, from almost everyone who applies for any kind of immigration help.
This includes kids.
They might even collect this data if someone is arrested by immigration officials.
The government says this will help them check identities better and keep the country safe.
They also want to be able to use DNA to help with investigations.
This new rule could affect millions of people.
The Trump administration is proposing a broad expansion of the U.S. biometric data collection program.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be authorized to collect DNA, iris scans, voiceprints, facial recognition data, and behavioral characteristics.
This data could be collected from nearly all individuals applying for or associated with an immigration benefit, regardless of age.
Biometric data collection would also be permitted whenever a noncitizen is arrested by immigration officials.
The collected DNA samples could be shared across law enforcement agencies for identity verification and investigative purposes.
- Who
- The Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- What
- Proposing a sweeping expansion of biometric data collection to include DNA, iris scans, voiceprints, facial recognition, and behavioral characteristics from nearly all immigration applicants, regardless of age, and noncitizens arrested by immigration officials.
- When
- The proposal is a draft regulation, with an unspecified date for implementation.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To modernize identity verification, enhance background checks, strengthen continuous vetting, and for investigative purposes.
Supporters of the Proposal
Critics of the Proposal
Purpose of Expanded Collection
Supporters of the Proposal
The expanded collection of biometric data, including DNA, is necessary to modernize identity verification, enhance background checks, and strengthen continuous vetting processes for immigration applicants.
Critics of the Proposal
This proposal represents one of the most far-reaching surveillance measures in U.S. immigration history, potentially infringing on privacy rights.
Scope of Collection
Supporters of the Proposal
The rule aims to ensure comprehensive identity verification by including all individuals associated with immigration filings, regardless of age, unless explicitly exempted.
Critics of the Proposal
Collecting DNA and other sensitive biometric data from children and nearly all immigration applicants is an overreach that impacts millions of people.
- Agency
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Proposed Action
- Expand collection of biometric data from immigration applicants, including children.
- New Biometrics Included
- DNA, iris scans, voiceprints, facial recognition data, behavioral characteristics.
- Scope
- Nearly everyone applying for or associated with an immigration benefit, regardless of age.
- Additional Collection Point
- Whenever a noncitizen is arrested by immigration officials.
- Purpose of DNA Collection
- Identity verification and investigative purposes.
