Law would expand biometrics at sea program
25 March, 2009
category: Biometrics, Government
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.