WASHINGTON, D.C, December 29 — New federal rules imposing stricter biometric checks at U.S. borders took effect December 26, 2025, for all non-U.S. citizens, including Green Card holders. A separate presidential proclamation will enact heightened visa restrictions on nationals from 19 countries starting January 1, 2026.
What are the new biometric rules?
A rule effective December 26, 2025, mandates U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect biometric data—primarily facial photographs—from all non-U.S. citizens upon entry and exit at air, land, and sea ports. This expands a previous pilot program to a nationwide system.
- It eliminates prior exemptions for children under 14, adults over 79, diplomats, and most Canadian visitors.
- CBP may also collect fingerprints and iris scans.
- U.S. citizens may voluntarily participate or opt for a manual passport check.
Who is affected by the tougher Green Card reviews?
Green Card holders and applicants from 19 countries flagged for U.S. security concerns will face intensified scrutiny. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on December 2, 2025, a pause on reviewing all pending applications for Green Cards, citizenship, or asylum from immigrants from these nations. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated, “The Trump Administration is making every effort to ensure that individuals becoming citizens are the best of the best. Citizenship is a privilege, not a right.”
What should travelers expect at the border?
Border questioning is expected to become more detailed, potentially covering travel history and residence. All non-citizens, including permanent residents, will now be photographed during every entry and exit. Green Card holders are advised to keep all immigration paperwork updated and easily accessible for inspection. Officials will match biometric data against documents using the ‘Traveller Verification Service.’
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What changes on January 1, 2026?
A separate proclamation by President Donald Trump takes effect, restricting entry for nationals from 19 specified countries.
- Full restrictions apply to nationals of: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
- Partial restrictions apply to nationals of: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The order is effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can U.S. citizens opt out of the biometric process?
A: Yes. U.S. citizens may notify a CBP officer or airline representative to opt out of facial biometrics and undergo a standard manual passport inspection instead.
Q: Are there any exemptions to the new biometric collection?
A: No. All prior exemptions for age, nationality (including most Canadian visitors), or diplomatic status have been eliminated for non-U.S. citizens.
Q: What should Green Card holders from the listed 19 countries do?
A: They should ensure all paperwork is current and accessible, prepare for more detailed border questioning, and anticipate potential delays in any pending applications with USCIS.
