US to Photograph All Non-Citizens at Borders — Including Green Card Holders — Under New DHS Rule
PakkaHyderabadi 
US Customs and Border Protection to enforce biometric checks for all non-citizens starting December 2025.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued sweeping new border regulations that will require all non-US citizens — including Green Card holders — to be photographed when entering and leaving the country. The rule, intended to tighten identity verification and national security, will take effect from December 26, 2025.
According to the announcement, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will expand its biometric data collection program across air, land and sea ports, capturing facial images and other biometric identifiers from nearly all foreign nationals.
The new regulation removes long-standing exemptions for travelers under age 14 or over age 79, meaning every non-citizen without exception will now undergo biometric screening.
What Changes Under the New Rule
- Mandatory biometric photo capture for all non-US citizens
- Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents) included
- Biometric checks at entry and exit points
- Applies across airports, land crossings, and seaports
- Removes age exemptions
- Photos stored in DHS databases and matched with passport and immigration records
CBP already uses facial recognition on many international flights, but this new rule makes biometric verification mandatory nationwide.
Why the US Is Expanding Border Biometrics
DHS says the policy will:
- Combat identity fraud
- Prevent illegal re-entry by deported individuals
- Track visa overstays
- Detect fraudulent travel documents
Visa overstays are one of the biggest drivers of illegal immigration. A 2023 Congressional Research Service report estimated that 42% of America’s 11 million undocumented immigrants entered legally but overstayed their visas.
Although Congress passed legislation in 1996 requiring a biometric entry-exit system, it was never fully implemented. DHS now says that full rollout at commercial airports and seaports may take 3–5 years.
How It Works
CBP officers will collect a live photo at border checkpoints and match it against:
- Passport and visa photos
- State Department travel databases
- DHS immigration records
Travelers’ faces will be scanned by cameras, with no physical contact necessary.
Controversy and Privacy Concerns
Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about mass surveillance, data security and potential misuse of biometric data. DHS says privacy protections are in place, but critics argue that permanent residents should not be treated like foreign visitors.
The announcement also aligns with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, which prioritizes biometric screening and stricter border control.
