DNA Tests Expedite Immigration Process

DNA testing is still a relatively new technology. Individuals, organizations, agencies, and governments are finding new uses for DNA testing all the time. One of the newest uses for DNA testing revolves around Immigration - specifically family-based immigration. This article discusses the primary reasons why immigration DNA testing is needed.

U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents are permitted to petition immediate family members for entrance into the United States. There is an unlimited number of visas granted each year for family-based petitioners. There are many requirements for acquiring a family-based visa. The petitioner must fill out a form I-130 , submit an affidavit of support proving that they can support the beneficiary, and also submit proof that they are biologically related to the beneficiary.  Immigration DNA testing provides the gold standard of biological identification and cuts through any further red tape. 

The petitioner submits the I-130 along with primary evidence such as a birth certificate to show a biological relationship with the beneficiary. There are a number of red flags that can come up during this process. First, the father or mother is not listed on the birth certificate. Second the birth certificate is issued more than a few months after the birth of the child. Third, no birth certificate is available or in some cases, the parents were not married at the time of the child's birth.  In any of these situations the U.S. Embassy or the National Visa Service Center is likely to issue a Request For Evidence(RFE) . The RFE requests further proof or a relationship by means of immigration DNA testing.

Immigration DNA is requested as a means of fraud prevention by the U.S. Immigration Department. INS began a voluntary DNA testing program for African refugees in 2007. They found that out of all the refugees who claimed biological relationships, only 20% could prove it with DNA testing. The rest either refused testing, or the results came back negative. This has raised some eyebrows within the Immigration Department however, in this world of extended families, immigration may need to accept that although the biological relationship does not exist, this sponsor wants to raise a child as his/her own and if the child has no other relatives in the country of origin, then why not allow him/her into the United States. 

Families filing I-130's can expect more precautionary Immigration DNA Testing in the coming years. DNA testing is the most definitive way of proving biological relationships. The cost is not as significant as one might think and it many cases can be accomplished for less than $1000 depending on country of origin and number of family members to be tested.  DNA testings eliminates any doubt of fraudulent paperwork.