What is the purpose of the I-249 form?

The I-249 form is specifically designed to serve as a fingerprint card for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other related agencies. This form is utilized for the collection of biometric data, which is crucial for various identity verification processes and background checks in the context of immigration and law enforcement.

As a fingerprint card, the I-249 allows CBP officials to gather fingerprints which are then used to run background checks against national and international databases. This procedure helps in identifying individuals and assessing any potential security risks associated with their entries or presence within the United States.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of immigration and border control. A visa application, for example, is a request for permission to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose, while travel authorization is generally associated with digital approval for travelers before their trip. A sworn statement involves a formal declaration made under oath, which does not pertain to the collection of biometric information like the I-249 form does.