http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publis...ia.shtml#38045
DNA Testing Increases in Immigration Cases
Jun 26, 2006

When Scarlett Simonian petitioned in 2004 for her Honduran mother to immigrate to the U.S., she was asked to provide a birth certificate and other documents to prove they were blood relatives.

But recently Simonian was told she needed more proof. The consular officer in Honduras suggested a DNA test.

Simonian, whose mother missed her wedding 10 years ago because she couldn't get a visa, said she understands the need to verify familial relationships but thinks DNA testing is unnecessary. She and her mother are still awaiting the results.

"The birth certificate should be enough," said the Chatsworth resident, now a naturalized citizen with two children, ages 4 and 6. "All the proof you need is there."

DNA testing has been used for years to help convict felons and clear those wrongly accused of crimes. Now genetic testing is being employed in immigration cases to confirm relationships of family members trying to become legal immigrants.