A new rule from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) went into effect this Friday, December 26th, altering entry procedures to the United States. The update impacts all foreign nationals, including those with legal residency, often referred to as a green card.
New Biometric Requirements at U.S. Borders
The rule, initially published in the Federal Register in October, mandates that all foreign nationals be photographed upon entering or leaving the U.S. through airports, land ports, maritime locations, and other authorized points of departure. This applies to travelers “regardless of age, visa classification, or immigration status,” encompassing individuals younger than 14 and older than 79.
According to the report, legal permanent residents, defined as foreign nationals authorized to live permanently in the U.S., will be “processed as aliens” for the purposes of this rule. This means they, like other non-citizens, will be required to have their photograph taken when crossing a U.S. border.
U.S. citizens are not covered by this rule, but may voluntarily participate in the facial biometric process. Those who opt out can notify a CBP officer or airline representative and undergo a manual passport inspection.
The CBP states that requiring photographs of all foreign nationals without exception allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to biometrically verify the identity of all travelers, helping to prevent visa fraud and the fraudulent use of legitimate travel documents. The use of facial biometrics is also intended to add an additional layer of security.
Failure to comply with the photograph requirement could result in a determination of inadmissibility or a violation of the terms of a foreign national’s status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this rule change?
This rule requires all foreign nationals to be photographed when entering or leaving the United States, regardless of age, visa type, or immigration status.
Does this apply to green card holders?
Yes, legal permanent residents will be processed as foreign nationals and are required to have their photograph taken at the border.
What can U.S. citizens do if they don’t want a biometric scan?
U.S. citizens can notify a CBP officer or airline representative and undergo a manual passport inspection instead of a biometric scan.
How this new policy will affect border crossing times and traveler experiences remains to be seen. It is possible that increased processing times could occur as CBP implements the new procedures. Analysts expect that the CBP will closely monitor the implementation of the rule and make adjustments as needed to minimize disruptions.
