An Immigration Law Firm Attorney in NYC tells about the Importance of Biometrics

Every year millions of people around the globe apply to gain entry into the United States. An important part of the procedure includes biometrics or fingerprinting. The United States immigration authorities use this identification procedure for every individual arriving on any type of visa in the United States. Recently, I had a chance to know more about the biometrics procedure while visiting New York City. An Immigration law firm NYC attorney educated me about the importance of biometrics and its eminence in the immigration procedures.

In the section below, you will find the extract of a discussion held with an Immigration law firm NYC attorney about biometrics that forms an integral part of the entry in to the United States.

Understanding Biometrics

Biometrics in simple words refers to the identification of humans with the help of their biological and physical characteristics or traits. These characteristics are captured on a database and can be later used to ascertain the identity of an individual by comparing it with other entries in the data base. The different types of biometrics currently in use include facial proof, fingerprinting and retina scans.

Biometrics in US Immigration Procedures

The US government welcomes all individuals that present a legal/legitimate proof of travel and entry in to its land. However, with the increasing lapses of peace in the world, the biometrics system has become important. In the year 2002, Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform were introduced that made biometrics mandatory for US visas. It was also decided by the Department of Homeland Security that the biometrics required for visa applicants would be a Ten-finger print scan.

How is Biometrics helpful?

Biometrics is significant in the United States immigration system. The fingerprints that have been collected at the immigration offices of any country are again compared to the United States port of visit. This proves helpful in order to track any visas that are either stolen or counterfeit or either used by unscrupulous elements that may pose a security threat to the nation. The aim of the biometrics system is to make US a safer place for all legitimate travelers along with its own citizens.