US, Oct 28 : The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced sweeping new biometric data collection rules for all green card holders and foreign nationals, marking a major expansion of existing immigration surveillance measures.
According to the Federal Register filing on Friday, all immigrants and non-citizens entering or leaving the United States will now be photographed and required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints. Previously, such data collection was limited to specific visa categories and select travelers.
The DHS said the policy aims to bolster national security, curb visa overstays, and prevent the fraudulent use of travel documents. “Comprehensive data gathering for entry and exit of non-citizens will help address national security concerns, fraudulent use of travel documentation, and visa overstays,” the department noted in its filing.
Key Changes Under the New Rule
The new practice, to be implemented by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), eliminates previous exemptions for travelers under 14 and over 79 years old. Now, all non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents (green card holders), must submit biometric data when entering and leaving the country.
For now, DHS has confirmed that photographs will be taken at all ports of entry and exit, but other biometric data such as fingerprints may also be collected in the future.
According to Bloomberg, CBP will use facial comparison technology alongside photographs submitted in passport and visa applications to verify traveler identities. The department said this integrated biometric entry exit system will help detect overstays, fraudulent documents, and unauthorized entries.
Trump Administration’s Immigration Policy Push
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has intensified his administration’s immigration enforcement agenda. His government has ended birthright citizenship, expanded ICE raids, and tightened visa and green card rules under the banner of national security and law enforcement.
The administration has also introduced social media vetting for visa applicants and immigrants a move that has already led to detentions, deportations, and visa denials for several foreign nationals.
The new DHS biometric rule, analysts say, reflects the administration’s ongoing effort to create a comprehensive digital surveillance network to track all non citizens entering or exiting the US.