SecureIDNews | Law would expand biometrics at sea program

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that require all interdicted aliens at sea be screened against Department of Homeland Security biometric watch lists. The legislation was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

H.R. 1148 would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to formalize and expand the mobile maritime biometric identification program to combat aliens unlawfully attempting to enter the United States. The bill also requires DHS to ensure this biometric system is integrated into other systems within DHS and other agencies.

Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard have had a pilot in place testing biometrics at sea.

Homeland Security's Global Entry expanding

Biometrics enable expedited border screening

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Global Entry program is expanding enabling enrolled U.S. citizens to enjoy expedited screening when returning from travel abroad to a number of domestic airports. The program also makes them eligible to participate in similar programs at foreign airports.

State Department pilots online passport card applications

As part of the U.S. Department of State’s initiative to simplify and streamline customer service interactions and processes, the Office of Passport Services has started a 90-day pilot program for online passport card applications.

BIO-key International and S.I.C. Biometrics scrap merger, form partnership

Biometric identification companies BIO-key International and S.I.C. Biometrics have decided not to pursue a merger and instead have formed a reseller partnership agreement to realize more business opportunities.

Illinois high school tests program to track bus riders

Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, Ill., is piloting a program that can track students on school buses. The goal is to increase safety while determining more efficient bus routes. The school rolled out the program in late January that provides each student with a card that the student uses as he enters or exits a school bus.

Afghanistan collecting biometrics from all travelers

Some countries collect fingerprint or other biometric data from visitors but Afghanistan is going a step further a collecting the data from everyone entering or departing Kabul International Airport, according to the New York Times.

EAB looks to drive the biometric market place

The European Association for Biometrics (EAB) is focusing on a goal of driving the research and development of biometrics and building the future of the industry around a concern for end-user privacy protection.

Subscribe

Print Magazine

Featured Events

Links

Searching …

Law would expand biometrics at sea program