Canadians travelling to U.S. will be photographed, DNA screening takes effect

Under a new regulation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all individuals travelling to the United States will now be photographed upon entry and exit.

In some cases, U.S. Customs officials will also collect travellers’ fingerprints.

In other cases, border officials may go further. The DHS is also authorized to collect DNA, marking a significant expansion of what customs agents may legally gather at ports of entry.

One of the most significant changes is the removal of age-based exemptions.

Previously, children under 14 and adults over 79 were generally excluded from biometric data collection. Under the new rule, travellers of any age may now be subject to these screenings.

The requirements took effect on Dec. 26 and apply to all non-U.S. citizens, including Canadians.

DHS noted that it has collected biometric data from certain travellers entering the U.S. since 2004, but until now lacked a system to record biometric information when travellers departed the country.

In a document published on Oct. 27, DHS says the measures are necessary to address national security concerns, such as “terrorist threats, fraudulent use of legitimate travel documents, foreigners who remain in the United States beyond their authorized stay, or who are present in the United States without having been admitted.”

Concerns have been raised that traveller data could be used to monitor journalists or political opponents. DHS has said the photographs will not be used for “blanket surveillance.”

DHS says it will retain personal data for up to 75 years.

The program will also be implemented in phases and is expected to be fully operational within three to five years.

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