DDC Lab Director Hosts Immigration Workshop at International DNA Symposium
DNA Diagnostics Center Press Release
Fairfield, OH. October 18, 2007—Top DNA scientists and U.S. government representatives recently met to discuss the emerging use of DNA testing in immigration cases.
As part of the pre-Symposium activities for the 18th International Symposium on Human Identification in Hollywood, California, DDC's laboratory director Dr. Michael Baird and his colleagues from the Human Identification Trade Association (HITA) and AABB hosted a workshop to explore the application of DNA tests to prevent fraud in immigration cases. This workshop, Immigration DNA Profiling Issues, featured sessions conducted by representatives from the U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, immigration law experts, and other scientists.
"DNA testing for immigration is a rarity right now," Baird said. "However, DNA testing is expected to play an integral part in the immigration process in the near future. Each person carries their own unique security code in the form of their DNA. Since fraud is a problem in some regions of the world, the hope is to utilize a DNA test to counter such situations."
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), petitioners for immigration either with biological relatives living within the United States or immigrating with biological family members are required to prove their relationships through primary documentation. When these documents, such as marriage licenses or adoption papers, are not available, secondary documentation is requested. This secondary documentation, which can include church or school records, may be difficult to verify, so DNA tests may be considered, though they will not be required.
Seventy-five of the industry's leading DNA testing, forensic, and legal experts attended Baird's workshop, including one of DDC's assistant laboratory directors, Dr. Melissa Kahsar.
"It was interesting to hear the viewpoint of immigration officials with regards to how DNA testing can help resolve difficult immigration issues," Kahsar said. "It is important that the lines of communication be open between immigration officials and DNA testing professionals to ensure that these tests are being used properly."
Both Baird and Kahsar attended the Symposium following the workshop. The Symposium included presentations on applied statistics and statistics theory, expert witness testimony, validation in forensic DNA typing, and generation of DNA profiles from difficult samples, in addition to a variety of poster and exhibit sessions.
The highlight of the Symposium was a keynote speech by Sir Alec Jeffreys, the developer of DNA fingerprinting technology. His speech, entitled, "Twenty-Three Years of Forensic DNA: How One Lousy Blot Changed My Life," discussed how Jeffreys discovered DNA fingerprinting entirely by accident in 1984.
"It was interesting to listen to Jeffreys talk about his early experiences," Baird, who further discussed these with Jeffreys over lunch, said. "He presented autorads and other technology not seen much anymore. That technology was remarkable as it laid the groundwork for fast and accurate DNA testing performed today."
About DDC
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) is the world’s largest provider of private paternity tests. Since 1995, DDC has performed hundreds of thousands of genetic tests for clients around the world. DDC offers comprehensive DNA testing services in several specialty areas: family relationship testing, forensics, and veterinary DNA testing. As the leading force in the private DNA testing industry, DDC was one of the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes for stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC’s unique Dual Process™ ensures results of unmatched quality and reliability.
DDC’s quality DNA testing services are nationally and internationally recognized by a number of professional accrediting organizations such as the Forensic Quality Services (FQS-I, ISO/IEC-17025), the AABB, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors–Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB-International), and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Contact:
Jim Hanigan
513-881-4078
pr@dnacenter.com
http://www.dnadiagnosticscenter.com
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