Since Trump has taken office in 2016, he has delivered on one promise concerning restricting the rights and benefits of immigrants. In the area of citizenship and naturalization, these restrictions have meant greater scrutiny into the backgrounds of applicants to determine whether the applicant’s initial lawful permanent resident card (green card) was legally obtained. These measures may soon become more extensive and threatening to applicants seeking naturalization.

The Interim Final and  Extensive Background Examination for Citizenship Applicants 

On 9/11/20, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published an interim rule, now subject to public comment at the following: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/11/2020-19145/collection-and-use-of-biometrics-by-us-citizenship-and-immigration-services#open-commentThe rule seeks to expand biometric fingerprint processing to include the following:

  • Fingerprint;
  • palm print;
  • photograph (facial images specifically for facial recognition, as well as photographs of physical or anatomical features such as scars, skin marks, and tattoos);
  • signature;
  • voice print;
  • iris image; and
  • DNA (DNA test results, which include a partial DNA profile attesting to genetic relationship).

Privacy Concerns with New Rule

It is clear that this new rule creates privacy concerns to green card holder naturalization applicants as well as other immigrants who may be swept up in the overzealous policing being proposed by the new rule. This overreach is unnecessary given the existing safeguards in place at various stages of the immigration process.Your Austin Immigration Lawyer is Experienced in Naturalization law The Office of Michael G. Murray, P.A. handles many citizenship and naturalization cases with complex issues.To speak with an experienced Austin immigration lawyer about filing your N-400 naturalization application, please call experienced Austin immigration lawyer Michael G. Murray, of Michael G. Murray, P.A. You can call today at (512) 215-4407, or contact the firm online, to learn more.Call Us Today to Schedule a Consultation with an Austin Immigration Attorney.

Coronavirus update: We are safely open for business! USCIS is still accepting new filings for all applications. Our office is offering virtual consultations for new clients so that you don't have to come to our office in person. Call us to schedule your virtual meeting today.
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