USCIS issued a new policy memorandum last month which alters the policy regarding the agency's accomodation of religious concerns during the biometrics process. Â For photographs, USCIS will accomodate religious headwear if a "reasonable likeness" of the face can be obtained. Â The full face must be visible and the religious headwear cannot cast a shadow on the face. Â If USCIS asks for religious headwear to be removed, they are supposed to offer a private room for photographing and to provide a same-sex photographer if possible.
A similar approach is now in place with regard to fingerprinting. Â Because fingerprinting frequently involves touching between the technician rolling the prints and the individual, same sex technicians are to be provided if possible.
