New travel and immigration rules have now taken effect in the United States on December 26, 2025. If you are a non-US citizen, including a Green Card holder, these changes matter. Here is what is different now and what it means in real terms.
Biometric Entry and Exit Now Mandatory
From December 26, US border checks became more detailed for non-US citizens. Under the updated rules, U.S. Customs and Border Protection must collect biometric data every time a non-US traveller enters or leaves the country.
This includes airports, land borders, seaports, and other approved exit points.
In simple terms, expect your photo to be taken every time you travel in or out of the US.
Earlier, biometric checks at exit were limited to small pilot programs at selected locations. But now, they’ll be expanded to all ports, including:
- Airports
- Seaports
- Land Borders
- Private Aircraft
- Pedestrian Crossings
No More Age or Category Exemptions
The new rule removes several long-standing exemptions.
Children under 14 and adults over 79 are now included. Diplomats and most Canadian visitors are included, too. Before this change, many of these travellers were not required to go through biometric checks.
Biometric collection has also expanded beyond airports. It now covers sea travel, private aircraft, vehicle crossings, and pedestrian exits.
What Data Can Be Collected?
Every time green-card holders travel in or out of the US, border officers may collect:
- Facial photographs
- Fingerprints
- Iris scans in some cases
These details are matched with travel records using the Traveller Verification Service, which links biometrics to passports and visas.
US citizens are not required to participate. They can opt out of facial scans and request a manual passport check instead.
Green Card Holders Face Closer Scrutiny
Another major change affects permanent residents.
Green Card holders can still live and work in the US. But travel monitoring has increased, especially for people linked to certain countries flagged for security concerns.
According to reports, federal agencies are now tracking international travel by non-US citizens more closely. This includes lawful permanent residents.
Border questioning may take longer. Officers may ask about travel history, residence, and supporting documents.
Possible Re-Reviews of Older Cases
An NPR report from early December says immigration authorities plan to re-review and re-interview immigrants from specific countries. Some cases could go back several years.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security said the government wants to tighten checks for people seeking permanent status or citizenship.
What this means on the ground is simple. Even if you followed the rules in the past, expect closer checks now.
Application delays are already underway
On December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it would pause reviews of green card, citizenship, and asylum applications from nationals of certain countries.
If you have a pending or future application, delays are likely.
Green Card holders are advised to keep passports, residency documents, and travel records updated and easy to access.
Travel bans expand from January 1, 2026
Another big change starts on January 1, 2026. The USCIS has paused reviewing green-card, citizenship, and asylum cases for applicants from 19 countries linked to the earlier travel ban list.
The US government has fully restricted entry for nationals of 12 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Partial restrictions apply to travellers from seven more countries:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
These rules come after earlier security actions and will affect visa processing and entry permissions.
What Travellers Should Do Now
If you are a non-US citizen travelling to or from the United States, plan for longer border checks. Expect biometric scans every time you travel.
If you hold a Green Card, carry all documents and be ready for extra questions. If you are applying for a visa or permanent status, prepare for delays.
The rules are now active. For many travellers, the biggest change is simple but important. Border checks are more detailed, and they are not going away anytime soon.
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