by Jason Morris

We have talked about redaction of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in the past, mostly relating to criminal records.  This article shows the effect having too little information in public records.  Not having enough PII is a slippery slope causing those with common names to suffer. Background screening can be difficult if we are not given the proper tools to do our job!

The Name Game
The FBI’s incompetence is punishing immigrants who play by the rules.

WHAT’S IN a name? For Ali Rahimian, it may be the difference between a quick path to citizenship and a two-year sentence to immigration purgatory. Dr. Rahimian has lived in the Washington area for 17 years, and, among other useful pursuits, has helped operate a free clinic for people who lack medical insurance. Two years ago, Dr. Rahimian, who was born in Iran, applied to become a U.S. citizen. His application was sent to the FBI for what should have been a routine background check, and Dr. Rahimian said he has not heard from the bureau since.

The applications of hundreds of thousands of legal immigrants such as Dr. Rahimian are mired in FBI bureaucracy, according to a recent audit by the Justice Department inspector general. The audit found that the FBI’s National Name Check Program, designed to be a security vetting of immigrants applying to be citizens, is relying on outdated technology and poorly trained workers. Some immigrants awaiting resolution are denied the right to work or to study. And, significant in an election year, they are denied the chance to vote.

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