Palantir Develops Tech Platform for USCIS Amid Immigration Policy Shifts

Palantir has quietly started working on a tech platform for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency, which handles services including citizenship applications, family immigration, adoptions, and work permits for noncitizens. The contract, valued at less than $100,000, was initiated at the end of October and is set to be completed by December 9. According to the federal contract, which was posted to the U.S. government website and reviewed by Fortune, Palantir is implementing Phase 0 of a vetting platform called VOWS (vetting of wedding-based schemes). The contract details are sparse, but it is known that Palantir is working on a platform that will vet wedding-based schemes, suggesting that the company is developing a system to identify potential immigration scams. The VOWS platform is expected to be a critical component in USCIS's efforts to prevent immigration-related fraud. However, the specifics of the platform and its capabilities remain unclear, as Palantir declined to comment on the contract or nature of the work. USCIS has referred dozens of individuals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for potential enforcement since September, according to the agency's records. The partnership with Palantir is part of USCIS's broader efforts to enhance its immigration processing and enforcement capabilities. "The USCIS is committed to protecting the integrity of the immigration system and preventing immigration-related fraud," said a USCIS spokesperson, who declined to provide further comment on the contract. The contract with Palantir is a significant development in the tech industry, as it highlights the growing demand for data analytics and artificial intelligence solutions in the federal government. Palantir has been a major player in the data analytics market, providing services to various government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. The company's expertise in developing complex data analytics platforms will likely be crucial in the development of the VOWS platform. The partnership between Palantir and USCIS has sparked concerns among immigration advocates, who worry that the platform may be used to target vulnerable immigrant communities. "We are concerned that this platform may be used to further militarize the immigration system and target individuals who are already vulnerable," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU has called for greater transparency and oversight in the development of the VOWS platform. The current status of the VOWS platform is unclear, but it is expected to be completed by December 9. The contract with Palantir is a small part of USCIS's broader efforts to enhance its immigration processing and enforcement capabilities. As the platform is developed, it is likely that more information will become available about its capabilities and potential impact on the immigration system.