New federal immigration measures went into effect on December 26, 2025, introducing biometric entry-exit checks and enhanced scrutiny for lawful permanent residents. These protocols, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), apply broadly to non-citizens and especially target green-card holders from 19 countries considered to present heightened security risks.
The rule changes are part of a wider effort to modernize border security infrastructure and enforce more stringent identity verification standards. Introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration, the policies are now being actively rolled out across the United States’ border entry and exit points, starting with major international airports.
Biometric System Expands to All Non-citizens, Including Minors and Seniors
All non-U.S. citizens entering or leaving the country, green card holders included, are now subject to mandatory biometric screening. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), these checks include photographs taken at each crossing point, alongside the possible collection of fingerprints and iris scans.
Previously exempt groups, such as children under the age of 14 and adults over 79, are now included in the new requirements. The data gathered is used to verify travelers’ identities through the agency’s Traveler Verification Service, a system that compares biometrics with existing travel documents. The goal, according to the CBP’s filing in the Federal Register, is to “address the national security concerns arising from the threat of terrorism” and to detect visa overstays, undocumented presence, and fraudulent documentation.
The biometric rollout is being implemented gradually, beginning with high-traffic international airports before extending to land crossings and seaports over the next three to five years. Officials state that integrating biometric tools at every checkpoint will streamline identification procedures and enhance the integrity of the nation’s immigration processes.
Special Green Card Scrutiny Applies to 19 Flagged Countries
Beyond the expanded screening, green-card holders from a specific list of 19 countries are now subject to additional layers of immigration review. These countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and Somalia, among others flagged by DHS due to past concerns regarding the vetting standards used during the green card approval process.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), new enforcement protocols will involve reassessing existing green cards issued to individuals from these countries and applying more stringent evaluations to current and future applications. The agency has not released specific metrics for the reviews but emphasized that these procedures aim to close potential gaps in the earlier background checks.
Individuals from these countries may experience more frequent questioning at border crossings and should ensure that all immigration-related documentation remains current and accessible. USCIS has advised permanent residents to monitor for any official requests for information and consult with immigration attorneys if travel is planned or if an application is pending.
According to DHS, the broader objective is to align immigration control with current technological capabilities while addressing “incorrect or incomplete biographic data” that may have previously allowed individuals to remain in the United States unlawfully. While the long-term impacts remain to be seen, the changes signal a more tightly regulated environment for green card holders, particularly those originating from flagged regions.
