What’s happening: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued new guidance expanding biometric screening requirements for foreign nationals, including lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and other non-U.S. citizens legally residing in the country. Under the updated rule, all such individuals must be photographed when entering or leaving the United States by land, air, or sea.

Previously, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) used optional facial recognition systems primarily at airport checkpoints. The new rule extends the program to all U.S. entry and exit points, with the stated intention of enhancing identity verification and preventing document fraud.

What this means: According to the Federal Register summary, the rule authorizes DHS to photograph all non-exempt foreign nationals and collect other biometrics as needed. It removes references to pilot programs and port-specific limitations, allowing biometric data collection at any authorized point of entry or departure.

The policy also eliminates previous age-based exemptions, now permitting facial recognition scans for travelers under 14 and over 79. DHS explained that earlier exemptions were due to difficulties in collecting fingerprints from children and elderly individuals, but these reasons no longer apply due to digital facial recognition technology.

Implications: This development underscores the growing federal reliance on biometric identity verification, a trend that is increasingly influencing private-sector access control, visitor management, and data protection standards.

These changes are prompting security leaders to evaluate their organizations’ policy on biometric tools and compliance measures; with advocates citing stronger identity assurance, and critics warning of potential privacy risks, data security concerns, and the ethical implications of expanded biometric surveillance.

The new rule takes effect on December 26.

—

Want to read more? On Alert is a free, once weekly email covering news, insights, and trends surrounding the physical security industry.