The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday, December 26, 2025, implemented new immigration enforcement protocols aimed at modernizing border security and strengthening national security.
The new protocols involve significant technological updates to screening processes, with an increased emphasis on expanded biometric screening at entry and exit points.
The final rule, titled “Collection of Biometric Data from Aliens Upon Entry to and Departure from the United States,” authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect facial biometrics from all non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents, upon entering or leaving the country. This removes previous exemptions for children under 14 and adults over 79, and eliminates limitations on pilot programs and port numbers.
Under the rule, CBP will use facial comparison technology via the Traveler Verification Service, a cloud-based system that matches live photographs against existing records from passports, visas, or prior encounters. In cases where facial matching is insufficient, additional biometrics such as fingerprints or iris scans may be collected.
The system is designed to verify identities, detect fraud, prevent overstays, and identify individuals attempting entry under false pretenses. Implementation will begin at major airports and expand to land and sea ports over the next three to five years, DHS said.
U.S. citizens are exempt from mandatory collection but can opt in voluntarily. Those who opt out will undergo manual document checks.
DHS states that the rule addresses threats including terrorism, fraudulent travel documentation, visa overstays, and incomplete traveler data. It builds on congressional mandates from laws such as the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
Privacy measures include discarding U.S. citizen photos within 12 hours and retaining noncitizen data in secure systems for up to 75 years for immigration and law enforcement purposes. Partnerships with airlines and airports will facilitate collection, with requirements for data encryption and purging after transmission.
“This final rule marks a major milestone towards our efforts to successfully implement the Biometric Entry/Exit mandate and strengthen the security of the United States. With increased funding to support this critical mission, we will continue to expand facial biometrics and advanced technology for identity verification to further secure and innovate the entry/exit process at air, land, and sea,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Field Operations, Diane J. Sabatino.
The new protocols come just days after President Donald Trump introduced tougher reviews for green cards issued to nationals of 19 countries identified for elevated security concerns. Countries cited under the enhanced “travel ban” include a number of adversarial nations and those with poor internal screening, including Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Cuba, Somalia and several additional nations, primarily in the Middle East and Africa.
The reviews, which were initially announced this past November, involve heightened scrutiny of prior vetting and document integrity. Lawful permanent residents from these nations may face additional questioning, document verification, and processing delays at ports of entry.
