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The United States has expanded border controls for non-citizens, bringing green card holders under closer review at all entry and exit points as part of a wider immigration and security overhaul.
Mandatory biometric screening begins for non-us citizens, including green card holders, at all US border crossings.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 27, 2025 07:24 IST
From December 26, all non-US citizens, including green card holders, are subject to mandatory biometric screening at every US border crossing under new immigration and travel rules that have come into effect.
The policy applies to travellers entering or exiting the United States through airports, land borders and seaports, significantly expanding the government’s biometric monitoring at points of entry and departure.
BIOMETRIC CHECKS ROLLED OUT NATIONWIDE
Under the new rules, US Customs and Border Protection officials will photograph every non-US citizen at entry and exit points. The requirement applies to all age groups, including children under 14 and adults over 79, who were previously exempt.
CBP may also collect fingerprints and iris scans as part of its Traveller Verification Service, which matches biometric information with existing travel and immigration records.
WHAT CHANGES FOR GREEN CARD HOLDERS
For green card holders, the rules mean biometric checks at every border crossing, increased questioning by immigration officers and closer scrutiny of travel histories.
Officials have warned that processing times at ports of entry may be longer and have advised travellers to ensure all documents are current and easily accessible.
The changes also include intensified reviews of green cards issued to citizens from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela and Yemen.
According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the enhanced reviews are linked to concerns over earlier vetting standards and approval procedures. Green card holders from these countries may face additional questioning and delays, particularly if they have pending immigration or travel-related applications.
The measures were introduced by the Department of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump, with officials citing national security and immigration enforcement priorities.
“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,” said Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner at CBP’s Office of Field Operations.
WHAT TRAVELLERS SHOULD PREPARE FOR
DHS has advised non-US citizens to allow extra time for border processing, monitor official communications from immigration authorities and seek legal advice if they have concerns about travel or residency status.
Green card holders, particularly those from the flagged countries, are being urged to keep their documentation updated and be prepared for additional screening.
Officials said the biometric entry-exit system will continue to expand over the next three to five years, beginning with major airports before being fully extended to land and sea ports.
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Published By:
Aashish Vashistha
Published On:
Dec 27, 2025
