Virtual Green Cards Offer Path for Digital Wallets’ Data Privacy

The US Homeland Security Department is seeking private sector partners to help build infrastructure for potentially deploying digital versions of immigration and travel credentials, a project that provides a novel, nationwide opportunity for advancements in virtual wallets.

Its late June invitation prioritizes preserving the privacy of the credential holders—a key concern for development and adoption of the technology. Users could include holders of green cards that grant non-US citizens permanent residence or of trusted traveler cards, which let pre-authorized passengers skip security lines at airports.

DHS officials haven’t finalized a plan yet for whether or when implementation of these ideas ...