Category: Fingerprinting

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released policy guidance (PDF) on accommodating religious beliefs during fingerprint and photograph capture. Among other things, the guidance notes that USCIS will accommodate an individual who wears headwear as part of his or her religious practices. Religious headwear may be worn if a reasonable likeness can be obtained… Read More

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun collecting digital fingerprints from non-U.S. citizens departing the U.S. as part of a pilot program at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Non-U.S. citizens leaving from Detroit and Atlanta airports should expect to have their fingerprints collected before boarding their flights. U.S. Customs… Read More

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued revised instructions, effective March 5, 2008, for the Application for Travel Document (Form I-131). The revised instructions require applicants for re-entry permits and refugee travel documents to provide biometrics (e.g., fingerprints, photographs) at USCIS Application Support Centers (ASCs). USCIS will notify applicants of their appointments at designated ASCs… Read More

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on March 25, 2008, that it has begun collecting additional fingerprints from international visitors arriving at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The change is part of the DHS’s upgrade from two- to 10-fingerprint collection to enhance security and facilitate legitimate travel. On an average day… Read More