Ethical considerations for DNA testing as a proxy for nationality

Abstract

As nations strengthen borders and restrict refugee admissions, national security officials are screening for fraudulent nationality claims. One tool to investigate nationality claims is DNA testing, either for claimed relationships or for ancestral origins. At the same time, the plight of global statelessness leaves millions without documentation of their nationality, and DNA testing might be the only recourse to provide evidence of heritage or relationships. DNA testing has been used sparsely to date to determine ancestral origin as a proxy for nationality but could increase as border controls tighten. Given the historic lessons in eugenics and the potential for misuse of personal genetic information, it is essential to consider the ethical parameters in order to guide the implementation of genetic data for such purposes. Here, we break down examples of the use of DNA testing for nationality, and the risks and benefits of genetic testing for this purpose. Important ethical considerations discussed include (1) empowerment of stateless individuals with evidence for citizenship proceedings; (2) imprecise correlation between genetic heritage and nationality; (3) effective protection of state interests; and (4) practicalities of DNA testing.

Guidelines for genetic ancestry inference created through roundtable discussions

“…Consequently, efforts by any individual stakeholder group to advocate for standards or regulation have met with little success. The need for standards and other guidance has never been greater, as the popularity of DTC genetic ancestry testing continues to expand, 1 members of Congress have expressed concern, 2 controversial applications of genetic ancestry information continue to be explored (e.g., forensic or investigative genetic genealogy; 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 immigration decisions; 9 , 10 political posturing; 11 , 12 medical school admissions; 13 entitlement eligibility; 14 , 15 and social identity and belonging 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ), and society has little choice but to confront whether, how, and when it is appropriate to rely upon anyone’s genetic ancestry information.…”

The dangerous use of genetic information

“…For example, both ancestry (insights into where one’s forebears may have come) and kinship (to whom one is biologically related) are firmly established applications for genetic testing (Hazel et al , 2021). Genetic testing can assist in establishing the nationality claims of stateless people and asylum seekers (Oray and Katsanis, 2021). Some genes may indicate an individual’s susceptibility to addiction (Mathews et al , 2012).…”

Framing the utility and potential pitfalls of relationship and identity DNA testing across United States immigration contexts

“…Ancestry DNA testing also has been used in an immigration context to support or investigate nationality claims. 43 We exclude both of these applications from our analysis, as our framework is tailored specifically to relationship DNA testing in immigration. 43 …”

“… 43 We exclude both of these applications from our analysis, as our framework is tailored specifically to relationship DNA testing in immigration. 43 …”