5/1 Federal Biometrics: Understanding USCIS with Leslie Hope
Biometrics is changing the way law enforcement and agencies that must track, identifiy and authenticate users aproach security. The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Department’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services biometric capture services at over 130 application support centers across the country. Biometrics are used to process U.S. citizenship applications and immigration benefits applications.
USCIS collects photographs, digital fingerprints, passport scans, driver’s license scans, signatures, and other biometrics data from applicants. This information is used by the USCIS to determine qualifications for immigration benefits. The data is also used to conduct criminal background checks, which are required for the processing of many immigration benefits.
Leslie Hope
Chief
DHS/UCCIS/ESD/Biometrics Division
About Leslie Hope
Leslie Hope is Chief of the Biometrics Division at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Hope serves as program manager and business owner for all biometric systems at USCIS and manages 137 Application Support Centers (ASCs) across the United States. ASCs allow applicants seeking an immigration benefit to submit biometrics to establish identity and to assist USCIS in determining eligibility with a background check. The results of background checks are disseminated for adjudication to USCIS operational directorates across the United States. Ms. Hope has over 20 years’ experience supporting DHS in a variety of roles; to include acting CIO and Deputy CIO for many years. Prior to joining the government Ms. Hope spent 15 years managing technology in the banking and airline industries.
