On March 18, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced three planned pilot programs to be introduced this year which will utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) for the advancement of homeland security. DHS’ first “Artificial Intelligence Roadmap” outlines how the government will use AI to deliver “meaningful benefits to the American public and advance homeland security, while ensuring that individuals’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties are protected.”
United States Citizenship and Immigration (“USCIS”) will use AI technology to improve its training of immigration officers. The agency aims to enhance the training of immigration officers through Generative AI by developing an interactive application that uses AI technology to improve how the agency instructs its personnel. “USCIS will generate dynamic, personalized training materials that adapt to officers’ specific needs and ensure the best possible knowledge and training on a wide range of current policies and laws relevant to their jobs.” The goal is to help enhance trainees’ understanding and retention of crucial information, increase the accuracy of their decision-making process, and limit the need for retraining over time.
With the use of AI large language models (“LLMs”) USCIS will train Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Officers on how to conduct interviews with applicants for lawful immigration. “USCIS will generate dynamic, personalized training materials to supplement human training that adapt to officers’ specific needs to ensure the best possible knowledge and training on a wide range of current policies and laws.”
DHS will also use AI technology to support law enforcement investigations in the realm of fentanyl smuggling, human trafficking, and child exploitation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) will utilize AI technology to help underserved communities and local governments in the development of hazard mitigation plans to “identify hazards, assess risks and vulnerabilities, and developing mitigation strategies.”
We will continue to monitor and update you on any developments stemming from this announcement as they are reported by DHS.