US Implements Face Recognition for Passport-less Migrants

US Implements: Confusion ensued among immigrants and advocacy groups in Texas this week as the US government began requiring migrants without passports to undergo facial recognition technology for domestic flights.

Although the exact date of implementation remains unclear, several migrants attempting flights from South Texas on Tuesday reported feeling turned away, even those with scheduled immigration appointments.

The US implements new technology…

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials disclosed to The Associated Press that migrants lacking proper photo identification must now utilize facial recognition technology to confirm their identity using Department of Homeland Security records.

While TSA did not specify the timing of the change, it emphasized its recent nature and unrelatedness to any specific security threat.

The impact of this policy shift remains uncertain, with some migrants possessing foreign passports.

The reliance of migrants and strained border communities on airlines for transit to cities where they have support networks has heightened amid immigration proceedings. Advocacy groups expressed surprise at the abrupt change, with concerns raised over potential financial losses from nonrefundable tickets.

The shift disrupted travel plans for numerous migrants, prompting discussions among advocates to comprehend the updated TSA procedures.

The Rev. Brian Strassburger of Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries highlighted the distress caused by the change, noting the previous ability of migrants to board flights with Border Patrol documents.

Despite the challenges, some migrants have cooperated with TSA requirements, allowing officers to capture their photos at checkpoints for smoother boarding procedures.

Also Read: NRI Publishes Research Paper on Sorcery Accusations