A controversial new border security law has come into effect at airports and other entry points across the United States, introducing expanded biometric data collection requirements for travellers who are not US citizens. The changes, implemented on December 26, 2025, require non-citizens entering or leaving the country to undergo mandatory biometric checks, including facial recognition scans, and in certain circumstances, additional data collection such as fingerprints or DNA. This measure is part of a broader effort by US authorities to tighten border security and modernise identity verification systems for international visitors.
Under the new rules, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers now take photographs of all non-US citizens at ports of entry and exit. These images are processed using advanced facial recognition technology to verify a traveller’s identity against federal databases. Previously, these biometric requirements were more limited in scope, but the updated rules remove most exemptions — including for children and older travellers — and expand the program to include land and sea crossings in addition to airports.
What Data Is Collected and Stored
In practice, most travellers will be photographed by biometric systems when they pass through passport control or immigration checkpoints. Non-citizen images may be stored in government systems for up to 75 years to support long-term tracking and identification efforts. In some cases, CBP may also collect fingerprints and, rarely, DNA samples — although officials emphasise that such requests would be limited and tied to specific enforcement or investigative needs. Critics of the policy highlight privacy concerns, particularly around how long biometric records are kept and who can access them. Facial recognition and DNA data provide deeply personal information about individuals, raising questions about privacy and civil liberties when such data is collected from people simply visiting or transiting the United States.
Who Is Affected
The requirement applies broadly to “aliens,” a legal term used to describe individuals who are not US citizens or permanent residents. This includes both visitors on short stays and those with longer-term visas. Legal permanent residents (green card holders) and travellers from visa-waiver countries now face stricter checks at borders and may be subject to the same biometric procedures as other foreign visitors. US citizens are generally exempt from mandatory biometric collection at entry and exit, though they may opt in to use technologies such as facial scans to speed up processing.
Concerns and Controversy
Despite official assurances, privacy advocates and civil liberties groups have expressed strong concerns about the implications of widespread biometric collection. Critics note that storing images, fingerprints, and genetic data for decades could create a vast database of personal information vulnerable to misuse or unauthorized access. There are also broader debates about whether such expansive data collection is justified for individuals who have committed no crime and are simply travelling for tourism, business, or family visits. Some experts warn that these measures may deter visitors and strain diplomatic relationships with countries whose citizens are subject to the rules.
Purpose of the Changes
Officials say the expanded biometric program aims to enhance national security, reduce visa fraud, and better track travellers who overstay their visas. By linking biometric data to border crossings, authorities hope to create a more reliable and efficient system for identifying individuals who might pose security risks or attempt to enter the country with fraudulent documents. Supporters of the policy argue that modernising border controls is necessary in an era of evolving threats, including terrorism and increased international mobility. They believe biometric technology can help ensure safer and more secure travel for both visitors and US residents.
