CWT - International

International

DHS tests exit fingerprinting

In May, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began a test program, collecting digital fingerprints from non‑U.S. citizens departing the United States in an effort to determine if visitors have over extended their visas.

The exit pilot program was conducted until July 2 at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. DHS will be evaluating the data before the official rulemaking takes place.

DHS already collects fingerprints from arriving visitors under the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program. According to the DHS, similar biometric data has been used since 2004 to help DHS prevent the use of fraudulent documents, identity theft and prohibited criminals and immigration violators from entering the United States.

DHS plans to implement the new exit procedures within the next two years, which will either remain at security checkpoints or airport gates. The overall development is expected to occur over the next 10 years and is estimated to cost more than USD $12 billion (according to estimates by the International Air Transport Association).

Sources: dhs.gov, ajc.com, atlanta.bizjournals.com, travelweekly.com