DHS AI Tool: How Agencies Use AI in Immigration Processing
In October 2023, the Department of Homeland Security published a list of 50 ways it uses a DHS AI tool or related systems in the administration of immigration. The federal government has stated that it wants to promote the use of “trustworthy artificial intelligence.”
Rebecca Heilweil, a reporter with FedScoop, noted that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services disclosed several forms of AI it uses to adjudicate cases. These tools include an AI‑powered evidence classifier, a fraud detection system, and a workload‑prediction tool. Although Ms. Heilweil was not able to obtain a comment from DHS on the inventory, we downloaded the list from USCIS. The list provides a clear look into the efficiency improvements DHS seeks through each DHS AI tool.
USCIS Time Series Forecasting AI Tool
One USCIS “use case,” titled Timeseries Analysis and Forecasting, describes how the agency predicts green card processing workloads. USCIS receives, processes, and maintains all applications for admission or adjustment to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. LPRs, also known as green card holders, must file Form I‑90 to replace their cards.
Because of a significant increase in green card applications, USCIS used exploratory data analysis to determine the categories most commonly used for I‑90 submissions. The agency then used machine learning to predict workloads. USCIS applied an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to forecast the total number of forms over a two‑year period. This DHS AI tool has been deployed in production for more than a year. It was later enhanced with a machine‑learning model for better reusability and performance.
USCIS Asylum Text Analytics
Another USCIS tool, Asylum Text Analytics, uses machine learning and data graphing techniques to identify plagiarism‑based fraud in asylum applications and withholding‑of‑removal requests. The tool scans digitized narrative sections of asylum forms. It also looks for common language patterns that may indicate repeated or pre‑fabricated submissions.
CBP Port of Entry Risk Assessments
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency uses the Port of Entry Risk Assessments AI tool to support real‑time risk evaluation. The tool analyzes travel and trade data. Its results are used to inform decisions at ports of entry. CBP states that these tools are continuously evaluated to ensure accuracy and precision and to support its wider layered risk‑assessment strategy.
ICE Facial Recognition Service
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tool known as the Facial Recognition Service assists Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and analysts. It helps identify known individuals. It also extracts faces for further investigation in cases involving offenses such as child exploitation, human rights violations, and war crimes.
USCIS PCIS Deduplication Model
The USCIS Person‑Centric Identity Services Deduplication Model helps the Person‑Centric Identity Services (PCIS) unit serve as the authoritative source for biographical and biometric information. PCIS provides two‑way visibility across services into an individual’s full immigration history and status.
People often submit large volumes of data over many years while pursuing visas or other immigration goals. USCIS receives enormous amounts of paper. Even when scanned, this data can take months to organize. Because of this, machine learning helps digest and match information. The dataset includes biographic details such as name, date of birth, Alien registration number, Social Security number, and passport number. It also includes biometric details such as fingerprint identifiers, eye color, hair color, height, and weight for model training and matching.
Understanding the Role of Each DHS AI Tool
These examples represent only part of the DHS AI tool inventory. While popular portrayals of AI often focus on dramatic outcomes, the reality is that these tools serve a practical purpose. They help agencies organize large datasets and manage workloads more efficiently. Over the past decade, processing times have grown from several months to many years. With careful use of AI systems, agencies aim to improve processing speed.
For additional background on DHS technology programs, visit the official DHS website: https://www.dhs.gov
Our Firm
Technology‑related policy changes and agency processes can affect applicants navigating immigration pathways, documentation requirements, and case timelines. If you or someone you know needs guidance related to immigration procedures, data processing systems, or other matters connected to these updates, please feel free to visit the contact page for Margaret Wong & Associates LLC.
