How Immigration Uses Your Fingerprints: Biometrics, Background Checks & ICE’s NGI System
If you’ve gone through the U.S. immigration process, chances are you’ve been asked to provide fingerprints. It might feel routine, but behind the scenes, your fingerprints are being run through powerful databases that can shape the outcome of your application.
At Stone Notary, we know that understanding what happens after the ink dries (or the scanner clicks) can bring peace of mind. Here’s a look at how immigration actually uses your fingerprints.
If you’ve gone through the U.S. immigration process, chances are you’ve been asked to provide fingerprints. It might feel routine, but behind the scenes, your fingerprints are being run through powerful databases that can shape the outcome of your application.
At Stone Notary, we know that understanding what happens after the ink dries (or the scanner clicks) can bring peace of mind. Here’s a look at how immigration actually uses your fingerprints.
1. Why Fingerprints Are Collected
Fingerprints are collected to:
Confirm your identity
Check for criminal history
Screen for immigration violations
Connect your record to future applications
It’s one of the most reliable ways the government can be sure you are who you say you are.
2. The Biometrics Appointment
Most applicants will attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center. Here, fingerprints, photos, and sometimes a signature are taken.
Your prints are then sent for analysis against federal and international databases.
3. The Databases Your Prints Touch
FBI Next Generation Identification (NGI) System: A massive database with millions of criminal and civil fingerprint records.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Shares data across immigration and border control systems.
International Databases: In some cases, prints are cross-referenced with Interpol or partner countries.
4. What Immigration is Looking For
When your prints are submitted, they’re checked for:
Prior criminal charges or arrests
Immigration violations or deportation orders
Matches to security watchlists
Duplicate applications or identity fraud
Even minor issues can slow down an application. That’s why accuracy and clear fingerprints matter.
5. Why Ink Fingerprinting Still Matters
While biometrics are digital, ink fingerprinting is still widely used for:
FBI Identity History Summary Checks (often needed for visas or immigration abroad)
Adoptions and travel clearances
Consular or embassy requests in non-digital countries
This is where Stone Notary supports clients: with mobile ink fingerprinting on FBI-approved FD-258 cards, clear prints, and the right prep for federal or international submission.
Closing Thought
Fingerprints aren’t just smudges of ink — they’re keys to your identity in the immigration system. Knowing how they’re used helps you prepare and avoid surprises.
At Stone Notary, we provide professional ink fingerprinting services that give you confidence your prints will be accepted the first time.
📞 Call/Text: 754-217-0444
📧 stone.notary@gmail.com
🌐 stone-notary.com
Live Scan vs Ink & Roll Fingerprinting: Which Works Best for Immigration and Federal Background Checks?
Fingerprinting is one of those steps everyone dreads. It feels technical, time-sensitive, and a little intimidating. But whether you’re applying for a visa, completing a federal background check, or getting licensed for a new career, fingerprints are often required.
The big question clients ask us at Stone Notary is: Should I choose Live Scan or traditional ink fingerprinting? Let’s break it down in plain English.
Fingerprinting is one of those steps everyone dreads. It feels technical, time-sensitive, and a little intimidating. But whether you’re applying for a visa, completing a federal background check, or getting licensed for a new career, fingerprints are often required.
The big question clients ask us at Stone Notary is: Should I choose Live Scan or traditional ink fingerprinting? Let’s break it down in plain English.
1. What is Live Scan?
Live Scan is a digital method where your fingerprints are captured on an electronic scanner. No ink, no cards. The image gets sent directly to the requesting agency, often speeding up the process.
✅ Pros:
Faster results
No messy ink
Immediate electronic submission
❌ Cons:
Not accepted everywhere, especially for federal or out-of-state purposes
Limited to agencies connected to the system
Requires specialized equipment (not always mobile)
2. What is Ink & Roll?
Ink fingerprinting is the traditional method: your fingers are rolled in ink and then pressed onto a physical FD-258 card.
✅ Pros:
Accepted everywhere (state, federal, international)
Standard for FBI background checks, visa applications, and consular processes
Portable — mobile notaries like us can bring the materials to you
❌ Cons:
Takes longer for results if mailed
Can be smudged if done incorrectly
3. Immigration Needs: Which Works Best?
For most immigration cases or overseas document submissions, ink fingerprints are the gold standard. Consulates, embassies, and international organizations often require physical FD-258 cards with inked prints.
Live Scan may work for certain immigration steps if the destination country or agency accepts digital files, but it’s not the safest choice if you’re working on a deadline.
4. Federal Background Checks: Which Method is Required?
The FBI Identity History Summary Check (often called an FBI background check) accepts both:
Live Scan: Faster if submitted electronically through an approved channeler
Ink & Roll: Still required if you need a hard copy, certified version, or an apostille for international use
If your FBI background check is for immigration, travel, or adoption abroad, ink is the way to go.
5. Why Stone Notary Clients Choose Ink & Roll
At Stone Notary, we focus on mobile ink fingerprinting because:
It’s the most universally accepted method
It pairs seamlessly with federal background checks and apostille services
We can complete it on-site at your home, office, or other convenient location
We provide FD-258 cards and ensure the prints are clear, legible, and compliant
Fingerprinting doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is knowing whether your situation calls for Live Scan or ink. For immigration and federal background checks, ink still reigns supreme.
At Stone Notary, we bring professional ink fingerprinting directly to you — helping you check this requirement off your list with confidence.
📞 Call/Text: 754-217-0444
📧 stone.notary@gmail.com
🌐 stone-notary.com
Florida’s New Law on Immigration Advertising: What Notaries Can and Can’t Say
In June 2025, Florida passed a new law aimed at protecting immigrant communities from misleading advertising. Known as House Bill 915, this legislation specifically limits how notaries and businesses can market immigration-related services.
In June 2025, Florida passed a new law aimed at protecting immigrant communities from misleading advertising. Known as House Bill 915, this legislation specifically limits how notaries and businesses can market immigration-related services.
If you’re an immigrant in Florida or someone working with immigration documents, this law matters to you. Here’s what it means and how it protects families like yours.
1. Why the Law Was Passed
For years, immigrant communities have been misled by people calling themselves “notarios” and advertising services that make them seem like attorneys. In countries such as Mexico or Colombia, a “notario” is a licensed legal professional. In the U.S., a notary is not an attorney.
This difference has caused heartbreaking cases where families lost thousands of dollars or damaged their immigration process by trusting the wrong person.
2. What the Law Says
Under Florida’s new law, notaries are no longer allowed to advertise or promote immigration services in ways that could confuse or mislead the public.
Specifically:
Notaries cannot call themselves “notarios públicos” or use wording that implies legal training.
They cannot claim to be able to prepare immigration forms or offer legal advice, unless they are licensed attorneys or accredited representatives.
Any advertisement in Spanish, Portuguese, or other languages must include a clear disclaimer that the notary is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.
3. How This Protects Immigrants
This law helps families by:
Making it easier to spot scams.
Reducing misleading ads that promise fast results.
Ensuring that only qualified professionals give legal immigration guidance.
It’s one more step toward protecting vulnerable communities from being taken advantage of.
4. What Stone Notary Can Do For You
At Stone Notary, we are clear about our role. We don’t give legal advice. What we do is ensure your immigration-related documents are notarized correctly and legally. That means:
Witnessing your signature on affidavits, powers of attorney, or consent forms.
Notarizing translations when required.
Helping prepare documents for apostille or authentication if they are being used overseas.
Providing mobile service so you don’t have to travel.
We stay within the law so that you stay protected.
5. The Bottom Line
Immigration paperwork is stressful enough. Don’t let confusing ads or misleading promises put your family at risk. With Florida’s new law, you can feel more secure knowing there are clear rules in place.
At Stone Notary, our promise is simple: professionalism, honesty, and clarity. We handle your documents with care while respecting the boundaries of what a notary can and cannot do.
📞 Call/Text: (754) 217-0444
📧 stone.notary@gmail.com
🌐 stone-notary.com