The U.S. faces imminent challenges in visa processing due to rising visitor numbers and global events. Identy.io offers innovative biometric solutions to enhance verification processes, manage security risks, and reduce delays. With potential economic losses projected at $150 billion due to processing inefficiencies, addressing these issues is crucial.
In the coming years, the United States is gearing up to face some serious challenges when it comes to processes involving visitor arrivals. The pressure to efficiently handle and approve millions of visas has never been higher. In fact, the U.S. Travel Association’s research warns that delays could lead to more than $150 billion in losses over the next decade, all stemming from processing entry visas for an estimated 39 million incoming travelers.
To address these looming demands, Identy.io, a player in touchless biometric identification, is improving its identity verification offerings. Their solution incorporates passive liveness detection alongside fingerprint and facial recognition technology. This should help streamline procedures at crucial points like pre-check-in and boarding, aiming to cut down those frustrating wait times. Plus, users can store their info on smartphones, sharing only what’s needed to make things quicker and safer, all without needing a constant internet connection.
Intensifying the scenario further are significant upcoming events like the 2025 Ryder Cup and 2025 FIFA World Cup, which are expected to attract around 3.5 million visitors in a single month. The economic impact for this event is anticipated to be colossal, estimated at about $2.48 billion or even $3.5 billion. Further down the line, the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles will likely bring in over 1.5 million visitors and an estimated $11 billion in economic contributions, stressing the already burdened visa processing capacity.
Given this context, the U.S. Travel Association is urging a thorough review of the visa issuance protocols to mitigate bottlenecks at verification points. Biometric technology is being strongly positioned as a crucial solution for this problem. Research from the “Biometric Digital Identity Flagship Prism Report” by Acuity Market Intelligence anticipates a whopping 5.6 trillion biometric transactions globally by 2028 across various sectors. The projected market value will likely surpass $315 billion, with the U.S. poised to claim roughly 35% of that.
Identy.io’s latest biometric innovations are designed to provide near-duplicate-proof security. Accessible through smartphones, these solutions ease country entry verification hurdles, thereby reducing congestion and wait times. Besides, they offer governments tools to combat identity theft and impersonation. With mobile terminals, authorities can swiftly validate identities without having to depend on big centralized databases, thus speeding up processing times.
Moreover, this comes at a critical juncture where identity theft and fraud are surging in the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission’s recent report reveals that U.S. consumers faced over $12.5 billion in fraud losses in 2024—a notable spike of 25% compared to the previous year. Likewise, the report mentions over 1.1 million identity theft instances were recorded, making a strong case for bolstering secure and efficient visa processing systems.
Identy.io’s biometric identification system also aligns with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, which support crucial processes like Electronic Know Your Client (eKYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) frameworks. Additionally, their tech adheres to the ISO 30107-3 standard focusing on liveness detection, ensuring heightened security and accuracy.
Jesus Aragón, the CEO of Identy.io, commented on the high-stakes pressure border management agencies face daily. “We know they need to verify identities quickly to determine a person’s eligibility for entry within moments. Our liveness solutions aim to quicken this process, emphasizing cost-effectiveness while ensuring simplicity and security for end-users.”
Identy.io is in collaboration with several global public institutions to implement alternatives for identity validation that leverage this touchless biometric tech. According to Aragón, their proprietary technology and experience with the FIDO Alliance are cementing their role as a frontrunner in advance travel authorizations within the U.S. They remain dedicated to supporting U.S. border control institutions by innovating in biometric technology.
In summary, the U.S. visa processing landscape is on the brink of significant challenges as global events approach and visitor numbers rise. Identy.io is stepping up with advanced biometric solutions aimed at streamlining identity verification, strengthening security, and addressing increasing fraud risks. With projected losses in mind, improving visa processing systems through these innovative technologies will be crucial for the U.S. economy in the years ahead.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
