The Department of Homeland Security's technology, procedures, and coordination were not fully effective to screen and vet non citizens applying for admission into the United States or asylum seekers whose asylum applications were pending for an extended period. Although U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deployed new technologies to enhance traveler screening, it could not access all Federal data necessary to enable complete screening and vetting of noncitizens seeking admission into the United States. In addition, CBP used varied and sometimes inconsistent inspection procedures for travelers arriving in vehicles at land ports of entry. Finally, CBP does not have the technology to perform biometric matching on travelers arriving in vehicles at land ports of entry.
Open Recommendations
| Recommendation Number | Significant Recommendation | Recommended Questioned Costs | Recommended Funds for Better Use | Additional Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Director, Office of Biometric Identity Management work with the Department of Defense to develop and implement a plan to address Automated Biometric Identification System data access restrictions. | |||||
| 2 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner of CBP develop a policy directing field offices to implement a process to manage risk when primary name queries of every traveler are not considered operationally feasible. The policy should include guidance to help field offices manage port understanding and implementation, and conduct annual reviews to verify port compliance and analyze performance. | |||||
| 3 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner of CBP continue to conduct technology testing until a solution is identified to perform biometric matching at land POE vehicle lanes. | |||||
| 4 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Director of USCIS update screening requirements for delayed adjudications to ensure applicants are continuously rescreened; implement a process to continuously monitor asylum applicants pending adjudication past 180 days to identify those who may pose a threat to the United States and should be placed in an appropriate handling process; and ensure that USCIS takes appropriate action when derogatory information is identified. | |||||
| 5 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Director of USCIS develop and implement a plan, including cost estimates, to automate security checks for asylum applicants. | |||||
