What's happened
The US Customs and Border Protection has introduced a new regulation requiring photographs and fingerprints from all noncitizens entering or leaving the country, including those already in the US on visas. This broadens existing data collection efforts amid ongoing immigration policy changes.
What's behind the headline?
The expansion of biometric data collection signals a strategic shift in US immigration enforcement. By requiring photographs and fingerprints from all noncitizens, including those already in the country, the US aims to create a comprehensive registry that could streamline future enforcement actions. This move aligns with broader policies under President Donald Trump to increase surveillance and data gathering on foreign nationals, potentially impacting privacy rights and civil liberties.
The policy also raises questions about the scope and effectiveness of such measures. Critics argue that expanding biometric requirements may strain resources and could lead to increased scrutiny of legal immigrants and visa holders. Supporters contend it enhances national security by providing a more complete database of noncitizens.
This regulation's implementation could influence international travel and visa policies, as foreign nationals may face more stringent entry procedures. It also underscores the US government's focus on data-driven enforcement, which may set a precedent for other countries to follow.
Overall, this move will likely accelerate the US's efforts to monitor and control immigration, with significant implications for privacy, civil liberties, and international relations.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the regulation allows for comprehensive data collection for noncitizens regardless of entry or exit points, reflecting broader efforts by the Trump administration to expand data collection on immigrants and foreign nationals. Bloomberg highlights that the requirement applies to foreigners holding US visas already in the country, including recent graduates and certain employees, emphasizing the policy's scope. Both sources indicate a significant shift towards increased biometric surveillance, with The Japan Times noting the policy's alignment with broader enforcement initiatives. Critics and supporters are likely to debate the balance between security and privacy, but the overall trend is clear: the US is expanding its biometric data collection system for noncitizens.
How we got here
Previously, US immigration rules mandated biometric data for certain visitors and immigrants at specific points. The new regulation, announced by US Customs and Border Protection and US Citizenship and Immigration Services, extends these requirements to all noncitizens regardless of entry point or status, reflecting broader efforts by the Trump administration to enhance data collection and enforcement.
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