At the Department of Homeland Security, biometrics are used for detecting and preventing illegal entry into the U.S., granting and administering proper immigration benefits, vetting and credentialing, facilitating legitimate travel and trade, enforcing federal laws, and enabling verification for visa applications to .
Border control is a global issue
These biometric entry-exit processes use a facial comparison for a touchless verification process that reduces the sharing of documents and spread of germs.
A similar approach is taken in Europe through the European Union's (EU) project FastPass..
Using biometrics helps the United States stop criminals and immigration violators, including those using fraudulent identification, from entering the country..
As you approach the e-gate or camera, your photograph will be taken and provided to U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
CBP will compare that photograph to the image(s) associated with your passport, visa, other travel documents, or prior border inspections..
“Biometrics are a critical tool in law enforcement.
They reveal a person’s true identity and help us protect America.” Automated Passport Control kiosks, another CBP innovation, speed up the traveler inspection process by performing administrative steps CBP officers previously handled.
During the summer of 2017, CBP conducted biometric exit facial recognition technical demonstrations with various airlines and airports throughout the country.
Here, CBP Officer Michael Shamma answers a London-bound American Airlines passenger’s questions at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
CBP has partnered with the U.S. air travel industry to meet that goal and is implementing innovative ways of using biometric technology to provide better enforcement and a better experience for travelers.
