Maui

A Mobile Biometrics Station will be open on Maui for a week in a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services pilot program.

The pilot was announced this week by U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and Maui state Rep. Justin Woodson, and will be available from Feb. 27 to March 3 for biometric screening to enable background checks that include fingerprinting and facial recognition.

Biometric screening is required for foreign visitors applying for a change of status, such as for citizenship, green cards or work permits. According to the National Immigration Council, Congress since 1996 has mandated biometric entry-exit screening system at air, land, and sea ports of entry in an attempt to track those who overstay their visas. However, a system for entry was implemented only after recommendations by the 9/11 Commission, and a system for exit is not yet in place. The executive order on immigration signed by President Donald Trump calls for expedited completion of the biometric entry-exit tracking system.

Immigrants on Maui currently have to travel to Honolulu for biometric intake and interview services. “The cost factor of air transportation for neighbor island residents is in addition to the time off from work or school, and USCIS processing fees. Combined, these factors present a substantial burden on immigrants, their families, and particularly for women,” Hirono said in a news release.

“This decision will allow USCIS to provide services in an equitable manner to individuals on Maui and ease the financial burden faced by already vulnerable immigrant families,” said Hirono.

The Mobile Biometrics Station will be at the Royal Lahaina Resort, 2780 Kekaa Drive, in Lahaina.

For more information, contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283; or send email to Hawaii.CommunityRelations@uscis.dhs.gov.