We also got some clarity on the issue of biometric data. This should be in the system and should accompany every passport issued - but the database fell out of sync with the passports because of a computer software problem. Senator Lizarraga asked if the database will, or can ever be restored:
Mark Lizarraga - Senator, Private Sector
"Director, in the absence of biometrics, so many instances where we did not take biometrics..."
Diana Locke - Director of Immigration and Nationality
"We take the biometrics, we just can't match them against the database."
Mark Lizarraga
"The auditor general has highlighted many instances where passports were issued without biometric checks. Am I correct?"
Diana Locke
"And that means that I captured their picture, I captured their finger prints but it was not matched against the current existing database in the system."
Mark Lizarraga
"Because our license run out and we had a deficiency in the system software. Are you planning on tying that in or using that data that you have, that database that you have, are you planning on making it compatible with the new system?"
Diana Locke
"Yes, it has to. We can't ignore those records. So that is a part of the feature of the design."
Mark Lizarraga
"So, hopefully when we get the new system you'll be able to cross check using your biometrics automatically?"
Diana Locke
"Yes, the biometrics will be back. Yes."
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