Many travelers began to notice changes in the entry and exit controls applied by customs authorities at airports.
Inspections have become more meticulous, and staff are more carefully reviewing the documentation of those with residence abroad.
In fact, officials have confirmed in recent days that a regulatory update is on the way. The measure promises to change how the data of travelers with legal residency in another country is verified, which has raised concerns among those who frequently cross borders.
The federal government is preparing significant changes to entry and exit procedures. The measure will affect those traveling with permanent residency or visas.
The regulations, promoted by the Trump Administration, introduce new biometric controls and extend the checks to all official border points.
What does the new definitive rule establish?
The rule, presented as a key step in strengthening the immigration system, modifies Department of Homeland Security regulations. The goal is to implement a comprehensive biometric identification program at airports, land borders, and seaports.
Customs and Border Protection called the measure historic. The document, titled Collection of Biometric Data of Aliens Entering and Leaving the United States, authorizes the agency to collect facial data from all non-citizens entering or leaving the country. This provision eliminates previous exemptions, such as those applied to diplomats and most Canadian visitors.
The regulations were published in the Federal Register at the end of October and will take effect on December 26. 2025The public comment period remains open until November 26.
What changes for those traveling with a green card or a visa?
Permanent residents will be subject to biometric checks both upon arrival and departure from the country. This includes facial scans and automated identity verification at each authorized border crossing.
The system will also apply to those traveling by sea, passengers on private flights, and people entering or leaving by vehicle or on foot. The intention is to close gaps in current processes, where some border crossings lacked technological tools for immediate verification.
Diane J. Sabatino, an official with CBP's Office of Field Operations, noted that with the new funding, the agency will continue to expand facial biometrics and other verification tools to strengthen security and expedite inspection processes.
Who is not affected by this measure?
US citizens are not subject to this rule. However, they may voluntarily participate in the biometric process. Those who prefer not to do so may notify an officer and proceed to a manual passport check, as is already the case at international border crossings.
What will the biometric data be used for?
The Department of Homeland Security defines biometrics as the automated recognition of individuals based on biological or behavioral characteristics. The system collects information such as fingerprints, iris patterns, and facial features.
Customs officials point out that these tools make it possible to identify people on security lists, prevent document fraud, detect prolonged stays, locate those without valid admission, and prevent the illegal re-entry of previously expelled individuals.
Why is the government pushing for these changes?
The rule relates to the executive order issued by Donald Trump in 2017, which mandated the accelerated implementation of the biometric entry and exit system. With the new rule, the government claims it adds an extra layer of protection and reduces the margin of error at border crossings.
The increased resources allocated to the system will facilitate its expansion to more inspection points and ensure that checks are carried out in seconds, even during peak times.
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