Canadians crossing into the U.S. could soon face a requirement for facial biometrics by Customs and Border Protection. This new technology aims to effectively identify overstays. Travelers can opt-out by requesting a manual document check, but a start date for this requirement has yet to be announced.
The Canada-U.S. border seems to be creating headlines regularly lately. First, there were reports about escalating wait times, then came news about added security checkpoints. Now, a new significant requirement is on the horizon for Canadians crossing into the U.S. It’s not just more scrutiny on passports and belongings, this development appears to be much more serious.
For years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has conducted standard checks by verifying passports and inquiring about travelers’ destinations or past whereabouts. A routine exchange: answer their questions, and if necessary, a vehicle inspection follows. Canadians typically share minimal biographic information during this process; however, substantial changes are on the way due to new technologies being rolled out at land borders.
Reports indicate that CBP plans to introduce facial biometrics to more effectively identify Canadian and Mexican travelers who may overstay their permitted time in the U.S. This move is designed to enhance border security and ensure compliance with travel regulations.
Now, you might ask, what is biometric technology, anyway? In simple terms, it refers to data derived from biological or behavioral characteristics used for identifying individuals. Think about it: fingerprints, voice patterns, and yes, facial recognition software. Most people are already familiar with these technologies, as they’re common features in the smartphones we use daily.
Specifically, CBP will utilize facial biometrics at border checkpoints. Although biometrics have been in play since the early 2000s, officially since 2002, it’s only recently that the agency has started shedding light on plans to implement facial recognition at land crossings. This technology will primarily focus on identifying non-U.S. citizens who overstay their visas.
If you’re not comfortable with this new facial biometric process, no worries. You can let a CBP officer know. There’s an option to request a manual document check which will allow you to bypass the facial scanning.
As of now, however, there’s still no official timeline for when these facial biometrics will be actively used at land borders. The anticipated requirement is certainly something for travelers to keep in mind as plans unfold.
Significant changes are coming to the identification checks at the Canada-U.S. border. The introduction of facial biometrics by the CBP aims to better monitor travelers and identify those who exceed their allowed stay. While Canadians can still opt for a manual document check if concerned about facial scanning, the specific timeline for this technology’s implementation is still undetermined. It’s a shift that underscores evolving border security measures and travelers should prepare accordingly.
Original Source: 604now.com
