USCIS Changes Biometrics Rules for Detained Immigrants: What It Means

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has quietly updated its official policy manual to make its biometrics collection process more consistent and to prevent unnecessary or misleading claims. The change, which took effect immediately, mainly affects people who are currently detained in the United States and have pending immigration applications.

Let’s break it down in plain language.

USCIS Updates Policy on Biometrics for Detainees

USCIS says it will usually not collect fingerprints or other biometrics from detained immigrants unless they are in removal proceedings and have an application or petition pending with the immigration court system, also known as the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Till now, there has been confusion about who was responsible for collecting biometrics when someone in detention had a case with USCIS. This update settles that confusion and replaces older instructions.

Who Will Be Affected?

This change in biometrics policies mainly impacts:

• Immigrants who are detained in jail, prison, or any federal or non-federal detention facility
• Detained individuals who have filed immigration applications or petitions

Families, visitors, or people applying from outside detention are not affected.

What This Means in Real Life

If someone is in detention and has an immigration case with USCIS, they should not expect biometrics to be taken inside the facility. Instead, they must attend their regular biometrics appointment at an Application Support Centre if USCIS schedules one.

If they miss that appointment, USCIS will most likely deny the application because it will be considered abandoned.

Why USCIS Says It Made This Update

The agency wants to reduce unnecessary or frivolous filings from people who may submit applications only to avoid removal. It also wants uniform procedures across different offices, so there is no confusion about who handles biometrics.

What Detained Applicants Need to Do Now

• Make sure USCIS has the correct mailing address of the detention facility
• Track appointment notices carefully
• Attend the biometrics appointment when scheduled, if possible
• Seek legal help to avoid missing deadlines or appointments

Final Thoughts

The new biometrics policy is already in place and now applies to both new and pending requests. For detained immigrants, it raises the risk of case denial if biometrics appointments are missed. For everyone else, nothing changes.