Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that a new rule has come into effect for international travelers who use the I-94 to legally enter and exit the United States. The requirement is in response to the detection of fraud in the system.
In this way, the “U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Service,” according to the government notification in the Federal Register, intends to collect biographical data, facial images and geolocation of international travelers. The checks will now also be carried out upon departure from the country.
A new requirement for those traveling to the United States and entering the country legally, according to the “Form I-94” – Arrival/Departure Record, has been in effect since July 1. The measure recently announced by the “Department of Homeland Security (DHS)” encourages travelers to voluntarily submit their facial images through the “CBP One” mobile application, as well as biographical information from their passports or other travel documents. Without this photo, the immigration service determines, the passenger will no longer be able to return to the United States after entering legally.
In this way, the CBP determines that the image corresponds to a live photo, and not a previously uploaded photo. Since the beginning of July, asylum seekers, for example, who use the app to schedule appointments at the US border, must also take selfies in real time to undergo a geolocation check at the time of the appointment on their devices. Likewise, US authorities would verify that asylum seekers are located in the designated region.
The new requirement is a response to the detection of multiple frauds in the system, with the improper registration of appointments for individuals who were not in the region. The photo allows information to be verified in real time, as the DHS hopes to reduce fraudulent registrations and ensure appointments for people who meet the established criteria.
Launched in 2020, the app serves as a single portal for services such as inspection appointment request for carriers, “I-94” entry for foreign travelers, as well as a legal way to enter the country to request asylum.
“CBP One” Rules
Foreign travelers must download the “CBP One” app from the “App Store” or “Google Play Store” on their mobile phone. They will then have to start a registration process with personal data, and then create an account. The new requirement implemented as of July 1, 2024, will require applicants to activate live geolocation and take some real-time photos.
The traveler will then need to follow the instructions received from the app to successfully complete the process. By collecting biometric data, CBP could also identify known or suspected criminals and terrorists.
Source: Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
