Biometric Identifiers and Border Security: 9/11 Commission Recommendations and Related Issues [Updated February 7, 2005]   [open pdf - 41KB]

"In its final report, the 9/11 Commission concluded that funding and completing a 'biometric entry-exit screening system' for travelers to and from the United States is essential to our national security. The Commission noted that the United States has built the first phase of a biometric screening system known as US-VISIT, and recommended that the 'patchwork' of other border screening systems be consolidated with US-VISIT to serve as the basis for a single system to streamline border inspections. This report provides an overview of biometric technologies and the major U.S. biometric border screening systems, including US-VISIT, and discusses issues such as cost, performance, and user acceptance. This report will be updated as needed."