DHS: Testimony of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Kathleen Kraninger, Screening Coordination, and Director Robert A. Mocny, US-VISIT, National Protection and Programs Directorate, before the

DHS: Testimony of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Kathleen Kraninger, Screening Coordination, and Director Robert A. Mocny, US-VISIT, National Protection and Programs Directorate, before the: "The Department began to collect digital fingerprints and photographs from international visitors applying for visas or arriving at U.S. ports of entry (POE) in 2004 to help immigration officials make visa-issuance and admission decisions. With biographic screening capabilities already well established, biometrics became the next logical step in the evolution of identity management. Unlike names and dates of birth, biometrics are unique and extremely difficult to forge. They provide a reliable, convenient, and accurate way to establish and verify visitors’ identities. Moreover, biometrics are a scalable technology and can be upgraded to stay one step ahead of terrorists and criminals. Biometrics help us meet the challenge of making travel difficult for those who want to do us harm, while making it convenient and efficient for legitimate visitors.

Through its use of biometrics, the Department’s US-VISIT program collects, stores, and shares digital fingerscans and digital photographs for subsequent verification. This biometric information is paired with biographic information pertaining to an individual and used to establish and verify that individual’s identity."