In April 2008, the Department of Homeland Security proposed having air carriers take biometrics (fingerprints) from departing international travelers. Subsequently, the FY2009 DHS appropriations bill required DHS to conduct several pilots for the US-VISIT Exit program, and DHS is planning one by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the security checkpoint, one by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the departure gate, and one by the airlines at the check-in counter.
The airlines continue to oppose their involvement in the data collection process, which they believe is a government responsibility. As of yet, DHS has been unable to find an airline to conduct their portion of the pilots.
As for the CBP and TSA pilot programs, they will move ahead with them beginning in May or June. Each pilot program is scheduled to run for 45 days and cover around 1500-2000 travelers per day at one airport per pilot.
The ability of DHS to expand the Visa Waiver Program ends on June 30 unless a full biometric exit program is in place.