Us Congress House Bill HB6138

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/1/23
• Refer: 11/1/23

Caption

Reform Immigration Through Biometrics Act

Impact

The influence of HB6138 on state laws primarily revolves around the enhanced ability of federal agencies to collect and utilize biometric data for immigration control. It obligates the Secretary of Homeland Security to assess and report on various operational aspects of the biometric system, including costs, effectiveness, and risks involved. By establishing clear guidelines and enforcement measures, the bill is poised to alter existing protocols concerning how individual travel is monitored, potentially impacting both legal and undocumented immigrants in their movements across U.S. borders.

Summary

House Bill 6138, known as the Reform Immigration Through Biometrics Act, aims to enhance the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) implementation of an integrated biometric entry and exit data system. This initiative is intended to streamline the monitoring of individuals traveling to and from the United States by utilizing biometric data, which is anticipated to bolster national security measures and improve the efficiency of border control operations. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security submit evaluations of the implementation status and recommendations related to the system within six months of enactment, ensuring accountability and oversight of this initiative.

Contention

Despite the supportive political sentiment for HB6138, there are notable concerns from civil liberties groups and some legislators regarding the implications of expanded biometric data collection. Critics argue that increased surveillance might infringe on individual privacy rights and lead to systemic discrimination based on nationality or immigration status. Moreover, fears regarding the misuse of biometric data and insufficient safeguards to protect this sensitive information have prompted calls for clearer regulations and limitations to accompany the bill, a hope shared by several advocacy organizations focused on immigration rights.