Overview
- Under the proposed rule, biometrics would be required from anyone filing or associated with immigration requests, regardless of age, including petitioners, sponsors and some U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- DHS would redefine biometrics to include facial and ocular imagery, fingerprints and palm prints, voice patterns, handwritten signatures and DNA, and it would expand collection following an alien arrest.
- The plan would codify DNA testing, use, retention and potential law‑enforcement sharing, and individuals approved for benefits could be required to submit biometrics until they obtain U.S. citizenship.
- USCIS would adopt a person‑centric model that reduces reliance on biographic data, enables reuse across cases and updates standards for certain categories, including VAWA and T applicants and children under 14.
- DHS says the changes aim to strengthen identity checks and deter fraud, while legal experts and lawmakers raise privacy and constitutional concerns and expect court challenges; comments are due via Regulations.gov by January 2, 2026.