Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Dec 27: New travel and immigration rules notified by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have officially come into force from December 26, 2025, tightening border checks for non-US citizens, including green-card holders.

As per the changes published in the Federal Register, US authorities will now expand the use of biometric identification such as photographs, fingerprints and eye scans at airports, land borders and seaports. Under the new system, all non-US citizens will be photographed every time they enter or exit the United States, with Customs and Border Protection officials also empowered to collect fingerprints and iris scans.

Notably, children below 14 years and adults above 79 years are no longer exempt from biometric checks. The data will be verified through the ‘Traveller Verification Service’ to track international travel more closely.

The rules also introduce stricter scrutiny of green-card holders and applicants from 19 countries flagged by the US government over security concerns. These include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Cuba and Venezuela, among others. Authorities have said the reviews are aimed at re-evaluating past vetting procedures.

While the biometric entry-exit system will be rolled out in phases over the next three to five years, starting with major airports, green-card holders can expect more detailed questioning at borders and are advised to keep all documents updated and readily available.

The DHS said the move is intended to strengthen national security, prevent overstays and curb misuse of travel documents. More detailed guidelines are expected to be issued in the coming months.