Anger as Britain uses genetic tests for asylum seekers

BRITAIN is using genetic tests on some African asylum seekers in an effort to catch those who are lying about their nationality, drawing criticism from scientists and provoking outrage from rights groups.

The United Kingdom Border Agency launched the pilot project in September amid suspicions there might be a large number of asylum applicants lying about their home countries. An agency spokesman said Britain was the only country using genetic tests in this way. Experts, however, say the tests are based on flawed science and there’s no way genetic swabs can provide meaningful evidence regarding nationality.

Concerned about potential fraud in the US, the Bush administration launched a pilot DNA testing project in 2007 to vet applicants to a programme allowing family members of African refugees already in the US to join them. The project, which wrapped up in March 2008, found an extremely high rate of fraud, 87%, among applicants claiming to be related to each other, the State Department said, and the resettlement programme was suspended until those concerns could be addressed. The US does not use genetic tests to try to prove nationality.