The Customs and Border Protection has announced the launch of a new feature within its CBP One mobile application. This feature allows non-immigrants, who are required to complete Form I–94 during their departure from the United States, to voluntarily report their exit through the submission of biographic data, facial images, and geolocation data.
The CBP has branded the directive to collect biometric information from departing non-immigrants as a crucial and necessary step to close data gaps on entry and exit tracking. This innovative capability, says CBP, also endeavours to fully automate the collection of I–94 information, however their plan to expand the collection of biometrics has attracted some criticism.
Non-immigrants subject to I–94 requirements may take advantage of this voluntary service to submit their exit information and a live “selfie” photo through the app, verifying their departure from the country. Utilising geolocation and “liveness detection” software, CBP can confirm the non-immigrant’s location outside the U.S. and validate the authenticity of the photo submitted. The comparison of live photos with existing facial images retained by CBP will biometrically confirm an individual’s exit.
This development is particularly beneficial in the land border environment, where there is no mandatory requirement for non-immigrants to report their departure to CBP. Recording the exit as a biometrically confirmed departure in the Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS), this feature serves as reliable proof of departure, which can also be utilised for air and sea exits.
Historically, CBP has encountered challenges in collecting comprehensive biometric data from departing non-immigrants, leading to inaccuracies in tracking whether individuals comply with their required departure dates. The advent of this biometric collection at both arrival and departure points is poised to significantly mitigate visa or travel document fraud and enhance CBP’s ability to identify criminals and potential threats more effectively.
Since 2004, CBP has experimented with various methodologies for biometric data collection during departures in both land and air environments.
Non-immigrants seeking to report their departure can now do so with ease, circumventing the previously burdensome methods which often resulted in inconsistent record-keeping and data collection issues. .
