Facial Biometrics Now Compulsory For All Non-US Citizens Entering America (Including Green Card Holders)

The United States is preparing for significant changes to its immigration and border-security procedures, with new rules mandating stricter checks and expanded biometric identification for all non-US citizens. From December 26, 2025, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be required to collect facial biometrics from every non-US traveller at entry and exit points across airports, seaports, and land borders. This rule removes earlier exemptions for children under 14, adults over 79, diplomats, and most Canadian visitors. Biometric data—such as photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans—will be verified through the Traveller Verification Service, while US citizens can choose to opt out and undergo manual passport inspection.

Enhanced Security Checks Target Green-Card Travel and Applications

Alongside border changes, the US government is introducing stricter reviews for green-card holders and applicants, particularly from 19 countries flagged for security concerns. Authorities will now track international travel more closely and re-review cases dating back to 2021. This includes re-interviews and deeper scrutiny of applicants who have already followed the legal process toward permanent residency. Green-card holders may face repeated biometric checks during travel and more detailed questioning about their movements, documentation, and residence history. Officials have advised individuals to keep all relevant paperwork updated and readily available due to the possibility of sudden verification demands.

These measures coincide with an earlier announcement in which US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) paused processing of pending green-card, citizenship, and asylum applications from nationals of the affected countries. The latest review is part of a broader effort to tighten security and align immigration checks with evolving geopolitical concerns. Authorities have indicated that these policies aim to ensure stronger vetting standards, calling lawful permanent residency a privilege requiring thorough verification.

US Announces Extensive Travel Bans Affecting Multiple Nations

Starting January 1, 2026, the US will fully or partially restrict entry from 19 countries that were previously subject to travel bans. Full restrictions apply to 12 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, while partial restrictions affect seven others such as Cuba, Sierra Leone, Laos, and Venezuela. These sweeping changes mark one of the most extensive updates to US immigration enforcement in recent years, significantly affecting international travellers, students, and green-card applicants worldwide.

Summary:

The US is introducing stricter immigration measures, including mandatory biometric checks for all non-US travellers and enhanced scrutiny of green-card holders. Authorities will re-review past applications and track travel more closely. From January 2026, full or partial entry restrictions will apply to 19 countries, significantly impacting global travellers and applicants.

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