Does the end justify the means? A comparative study of the use of DNA testing in the context of family reunification

Family reunification is one of the main forms of immigration in many countries. To regulate this process, countries implement measures to prevent cases of fraud, to improve procedural efficiency, and to facilitate integration. One of these measures is the use of DNA testing to confirm a biological link between the sponsor and the applicants. The use of DNA testing has been considered a valuable option due to its accuracy, but it has also raised social, legal, and ethical concerns. Whether the use of DNA testing could be justified is contingent on the way the test itself is implemented. This article reviews and compares the ways in which the use of DNA testing is justified and implemented, as well as the issues it raises in family reunification processes in Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, the UK, and the USA. We critically examine these justifications and concerns, and identify key challenges that will need to be addressed in future immigration policies and practices on this topic.