Bill · H.R. 8371· House(119-HR-8371)
Reform Immigration Through Biometrics Act
- Introduced
- 4/20/2026
- Last activity
- 4/21/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- Sponsored by
- Byron Donalds
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Reform Immigration Through Biometrics Act," directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to evaluate U.S. Customs and Border Protection's implementation of an integrated biometric entry and exit data system. The Secretary must submit several reports to specific House and Senate committees within 180 days of enactment. These reports must cover the status of the system, its impact on wait times, and its effects on trade, terrorism, and visa violations. Additionally, the Secretary must report on how biometric information is matched for individuals departing the country. The bill also requires an evaluation regarding biographic data sharing with the Canadian Border Services Agency.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill focuses on evaluating an integrated biometric entry and exit system to enhance border oversight.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill mandates several reports to Congressional committees regarding the status and impact of the biometric system.
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?+2
The bill aims to fulfill goals of improving counterterrorism efforts through better biometric tracking.
The opposite
Would immigrants be better off under this?-2
The bill targets the identification of visa holders who violate the terms of their visas.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?-1
The bill's focus on tracking visa violations may increase scrutiny on immigrant status.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Security and Oversight: The bill seeks to improve counterterrorism efforts and the identification of visa holders who violate their visa terms (Section 2(a)(2)(F)(ii-iii) and Section 2(a)(3)).
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Protection of Citizen Privacy: The report regarding biometric matching must include descriptions of the privacy protections for United States citizens regarding facial recognition (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Efficiency in Movement: The Secretary is required to ensure that biometric data collection causes the least possible disruption to the movement of people and cargo (Section 2(a)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Disruption to Travel and Commerce: There is a potential for the system to impact legitimate travel and trade (Section 2(a)(2)(F)(i)).
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Disruption to Transportation: The collection of biometric data could cause disruptions to the movement of people or cargo in air, sea, or land transportation (Section 2(a)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Privacy Rights+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5Improves Pathway To Citizenship-1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Counter Terrorism Funding+2Improves International Alliances+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+1
- 4/21/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- 4/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House