The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a new immigration rule. It is expanding biometric screening for immigrants and travelers entering and leaving the United States. Under this policy, all foreign nationals will undergo photo, fingerprint, and other data collection when crossing U.S. borders. This applies to both entry and departure.
❗️ The new requirement takes effect on December 26, 2025, and will apply to all airports, seaports, and land crossings. This even applies to those who previously operated only pilot biometric programs.
DHS officials say the biometric screening immigration rule will help identify visa overstays and strengthen border security.
What the Biometric Screening Rule Includes
Under the rule, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will have the authority to collect facial images. They will also be able to collect biometric information such as fingerprints. In some limited cases, they will even collect DNA samples.
👉 DHS has also eliminated prior exemptions for children under 14 and elderly travelers over 79. These groups will now also be subject to biometric data collection.
DHS Goals Behind Biometric Immigration Data Collection
According to DHS, the goal of this policy is to strengthen efforts against visa overstays and passport fraud. It fulfills a long-delayed congressional mandate to create a fully automated entry-exit tracking system. Lawmakers first enacted this requirement in 1996, but they never fully implemented it.
✅ The Congressional Research Service estimates that about 42% of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are individuals who overstayed their visas, rather than those who crossed the border illegally.
Expansion of Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology
CBP currently uses facial recognition technology for passengers arriving on international flights, but only in select airports. This new rule aims to expand that system nationwide. The new immigration biometric data collection system will be implemented at all airports, seaports, and land crossings nationwide within the next 3–5 years.
Civil Rights and Privacy Concerns About Biometric Screening
Privacy advocates warn that expanding biometric screening for immigrants could increase risks of data misuse and discrimination.
⚠️ The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights warned in its 2024 report. Facial recognition algorithms produce higher error rates for people of color. Other minority groups are also affected by these higher error rates. Civil rights advocates argue that expanding CBP’s authority is concerning. It could lead to mass data collection and privacy violations. There is also the risk of “digital profiling” based on ethnicity.
DHS Statement on Immigration Control and Border Security
The Trump Administration has described this rule as part of its broader effort to strengthen control over illegal immigration. They assert that a comprehensive biometric system will improve the government’s ability to track border crossings. Additionally, it will help detect visa violations more efficiently.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the new DHS biometric screening immigration rule?
The new DHS biometric screening immigration rule requires all travelers, including visa holders and permanent residents, to provide fingerprints, photos, and other biometric data when entering or leaving the United States.
2. Who will be affected by biometric screening immigration checks?
All foreign nationals, including children and elderly travelers, will be subject to biometric screening immigration procedures at airports, seaports, and land borders starting in December 2025.
3. Why did DHS expand biometric screening for immigrants and travelers?
DHS expanded biometric screening immigration measures to help prevent visa overstays, strengthen border security, and create a complete entry-exit tracking system for all travelers.
4. How does biometric screening immigration data impact privacy?
Biometric screening immigration data raises privacy concerns because it involves facial recognition and fingerprint collection. Civil rights groups warn it could lead to data misuse or profiling if not properly regulated.