The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expanding its biometric surveillance program, requiring facial scans of all non-citizens entering and exiting the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance border security but has ignited debates over privacy and civil liberties.
What’s New in CBP’s Facial Recognition Program?
CBP will now photograph visa holders, tourists, and green card holders at airports and land borders—both on entry and exit. The agency says this will help track overstays, reduce fraud, and speed up processing. Currently, facial recognition is used only for entry, but the expansion will create a complete travel record.
Officials claim the system is fast, secure, and minimizes physical contact. However, critics argue it lacks transparency and could enable mass surveillance.
Privacy Concerns and Civil Rights Backlash
Privacy advocates, including the ACLU, warn that the program risks misuse of biometric data and racial bias. Studies show facial recognition is less accurate for people of color, potentially leading to wrongful detentions.
The CBP insists the program complies with the Privacy Act of 1974, but legal experts question the need to store data for 75 years. Concerns also persist about mission creep—using the database for purposes beyond immigration enforcement.
Global Comparisons and Public Opinion
Countries like the UK and Australia already use facial recognition at borders, but the scale of CBP’s database is unprecedented. Public reaction is divided: some welcome efficiency, while others resist mandatory scans without consent.
What Happens Next?
U.S. citizens can opt out, but non-citizens cannot. The program will expand to major airports and land borders by late 2024. Legal challenges and calls for stricter regulations may shape its future.
Stay updated as this story develops.
