US House of Representatives members have temporarily pulled a border protection bill amid complaints that its biometric exit requirements could cause congestion and disrupt procedures.A vote on the Secure our Borders First Act, proposed by Republican Michael McCaul, was scheduled for a vote this week, but it has been cancelled.The US$10 billion border security bill had earlier been approved by the House Committee on Homeland SecurityCongressman Brian Higgins (D-NY) says the biometric requirement would create a nightmare for border systems.This legislation would require a biometric exit system at every border crossing, which would duplicate inspections and significantly slow the flow of people and goods across the northern border,” Higgins said. “The Beyond the Border agreement already allows for exit data to be shared between Canadian and U.S. officials, thus the implementation of this system at the Northern border would be redundant at least.Proponets had said that because some 40 percent of illegal aliens are visa-overstayers, that collecting biometric information upon entry and exit at all ports will be crucial in identifying visitors whose visas had lapsed.The International Biometrics and Identification Association (IBIA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA) had released a statement expressing support for the bill.”By setting concrete timelines and goals, [this bill] will provide the necessary impetus to bring a more secure, biometrically-controlled border to fruition”, wrote the organisations.

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