DHS · DHS-413 · record R1920

I-765 - USCIS Facial Recognition through IDENT (1:1 Face Recognition/Validation)

Department of Homeland Security · USCIS

Overview

Development stage: DeployedSource: c) Deployed – The use case is being actively authorized or utilized to support the functions or mission of an agency.
High-impact designation: High-impactSource: a) High-impact
Impact justification: Not reported
Start date: 2024-11-12 (day precision)Source: 2024-11-12T00:00:00
Withheld from public reporting: Not reported

Mission

Topic area: Law Enforcement
Operational functions: Biometrics and identity Derived by keyword rules; see methodology

Problem the AI is intended to solve

Using the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) makes this process nearly instant and greatly enhances processing efficiency without compromising the effectiveness of current identity verification methods. Additionally, new rules created by the FBI’s Compact Council require biometric verification to perform fingerprint resubmissions for different filing reasons than the original fingerprint capture. Facial verification brings USCIS into compliance with this rule change. Furthermore, performing facial verification increases the integrity of information and identities by identifying conflicts early on, preventing issues from becoming pervasive across immigration systems.

Expected benefits

This will allow the user to complete the biometric verification requirement without having to attend an appointment at am Applicant Support Center. This reduces the burden on the beneficiary as well as reducing demands on USCIS Applicant Service Center resources.

System outputs

Match or no match response from IDENT.

Technology

AI classification: Computer visionSource: Computer Vision: AI that processes and interprets visual data (e.g., images and videos).
System name(s): Customer Profile Management System
Custom-developed code: Yes
Public source code: Not reported

Sourcing

How it was built: Contract and in-houseSource: c) Developed with both contracting and in-house resources
Vendor (as reported): Pluribus Digital
Vendors (standardized): None on the standard list

A vendor is the supplier named by the agency. It does not identify the underlying model or AI technology.

Data and privacy

Involves PII: Yes
Privacy Impact Assessment: www.dhs.gov ↗
Authorization to Operate: Yes
Demographic features: Not reported
Training and evaluation data: The Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) conducts manual testing and evaluation of its fingerprint, latent print, iris, and facial comparison algorithms. This process relies on carefully curated datasets, expert human analysis, and mathematical assessment.
Federal Data Catalog: Not reported

Governance

8 of 8 minimum-practice questions answered. A blank answer means the agency reported nothing; it does not mean the practice is absent.

Pre-deployment testingReported in placeSource: a) Yes

AI impact assessmentReported in placeSource: a) Yes

Independent reviewReported in placeSource: c) Yes – by the CAIO

Ongoing monitoringReported in placeSource: a) Yes, sufficient monitoring protocols have been established

Operator trainingReported in placeSource: a) Yes, sufficient and periodic training has been established

Fail-safeReported in placeSource: a) Yes

Appeal processReported in placeSource: a) Yes, an appropriate appeal process has been established

User and public consultationReported in placeSource: b) General solicitations of feedback and comments from the public; d) Other

Potential impacts and how they were identified

Potential mismatch of face images and/or bias based on demographic data held by USCIS