WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) introduced the "Biometric Verification for Entry and Reconfirming Identification with Forensics (B-VERIFY) Act." This bill would improve border security, protect children, and deter asylum and immigration fraud by requiring the collection of biometric information from non-citizens.
This legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Ellzey (R-TX), Rep. Babin (R-TX), and Rep. Miller (R-IL).
Breakdown:
Increasing Border Security: This legislation requires the DHS to obtain biometric information before admitting any alien into the United States and before providing any person with an immigration benefit.
Preventing Immigration and Asylum Fraud: By collecting biometric information from aliens, our law enforcement entities will be able to verify the identity of migrants, detect fraudulent claims, and improve coordination with state and local law enforcement.
Protecting Migrant Children from Human Trafficking: This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct rigorous background checks and identity verification before placing an unaccompanied alien child (UAC) with a sponsor. Anyone who claims a familial relationship with a UAC but fails a DNA test or provides false documentation to prove their identity could be prevented from sponsoring a child.
Deterring the “Recycling” of Minors: Since parents accompanied by migrant children have an easier time seeking entry, the same child is often exploited by multiple adults who falsely claim to be the child’s parent. This bill deters the “recycling” of minors by permanently barring parents or guardians of children from adjusting their immigration status if a parent or guardian knowingly sends a child to cross the border illegally.
"Violent cartels are using children as pawns in their illicit border operations while convicted criminals infiltrate our borders unopposed. Meanwhile, the Biden Administration remains asleep at the wheel," stated Rep. Gooden. "It is imperative Congress arm our law enforcement with the resources they need to protect our national security and secure our borders from the horror of human trafficking."
The Federation for American Immigration Reform issued the following statement on Congressman Gooden's legislation: “The Biden Administration’s abandonment of immigration enforcement has created an unprecedented crisis at our southern border. Congressman Gooden’s B-VERIFY Act will bring some measure of order by empowering our border agents to collect the biometric data of illegal aliens for the purposes of immigration enforcement – giving our immigration officials the tools they need to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking. FAIR is proud to support this bill and applauds Congressman Gooden for working to secure our borders and protect children from human trafficking." - Dan Stein, President of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)