Reform Immigration Through Biometrics Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (21 Apr 2026): Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
What this bill does
H.R. 8371, the Reform Immigration Through Biometrics Act, would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress on the status of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's efforts to implement an integrated biometric entry and exit data system, as originally mandated by a 1996 immigration law. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary would need to submit reports covering the system's effects on wait times, private-sector device audits and consultation, progress milestones, risks, and impacts on legitimate travel, trade, counterterrorism efforts, and detection of visa violations. The bill also requires a separate report on how biometric data of departing travelers is matched against previously collected data, and another on data-sharing with Canada's Border Services Agency under the 2011 "Beyond the Border" agreement.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Homeland Security and CBP, which would bear new reporting obligations, and indirectly affects international travelers whose biometric data is collected, since the bill directs that data collection minimize disruption to travel and cargo movement. It specifies that reports on data matching may not include information on U.S. citizens, except regarding privacy protections for facial recognition. The bill does not restrict DHS's existing authority to collect biometric data in other contexts, nor does it affect existing user fees.
The bill was introduced on April 20, 2026, by Rep. Byron Donalds and referred to the House Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security. It has not yet been voted on by either committee or the full House, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
21 Apr 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8371 do?
- H.R. 8371, the Reform Immigration Through Biometrics Act, would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress on the status of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's efforts to implement an integrated biometric entry and exit data system, as originally mandated by a 1996 immigration law. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary would need to submit reports covering the system's effects on wait times, private-sector device audits and consultation, progress milestones, risks, and impacts on legitimate travel, trade, counterterrorism efforts, and detection of visa violations. The bill also requires a separate report on how biometric data of departing travelers is matched against previously collected data, and another on data-sharing with Canada's Border Services Agency under the 2011 "Beyond the Border" agreement. The bill primarily affects the Department of Homeland Security and CBP, which would bear new reporting obligations, and indirectly affects international travelers whose biometric data is collected, since the bill directs that data collection minimize disruption to travel and cargo movement. It specifies that reports on data matching may not include information on U.S. citizens, except regarding privacy protections for facial recognition. The bill does not restrict DHS's existing authority to collect biometric data in other contexts, nor does it affect existing user fees. The bill was introduced on April 20, 2026, by Rep. Byron Donalds and referred to the House Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security. It has not yet been voted on by either committee or the full House, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President to become law.
- Has H.R. 8371 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8371. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8371?
- H.R. 8371 was sponsored by Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19] (R-FL), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8371?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement. (21 Apr 2026).
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More bills from Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
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