The BRICS TimesUnder the new policy, the United States will photograph every non-citizen entering or leaving the country. This includes green card holders, visa holders, and migrants.
Mandatory Photos & Biometrics for Every Foreigner
The U.S. will now take photos of every non-American citizen during their entry and exit (movement). This measure is part of the Donald Trump administration’s immigration policy. The goal is to strengthen national security and control illegal migration. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued this proposal in the Federal Register on Friday.
Every Foreigner’s Picture is Now Required
The new policy mandates a photo for every non-citizen entering or exiting the U.S. This group includes green card holders, visitors on visas, and undocumented migrants. CBP asserts this step is vital to counter fake travel documents and terrorist threats. The agency will match travelers’ biometric data (photo and fingerprint) at both entry and exit. This process will determine if any individual is overstaying their visa.
Technology to Boost Border Security
CBP announced that face recognition technology is now faster and more accurate than before. This improved capability will allow effective implementation of the system. The technology will let the agency build a photo gallery of travelers. This gallery will contain passport, travel document, or border photos. These will be matched with new real-time photos to confirm identity.
Rules Start December 26, 2025
The new system will go into effect on December 26, 2025. After that date, border officers can photograph any foreign citizen when they leave the country. They can also collect extra biometric data if necessary. Previously, this rule excluded children under 14 and adults over 79. Now, these exempt groups will also be included.
Preparations Underway at Airports
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is already using face recognition tech at some airports. CBP already collects fingerprints and photos. However, this procedure will now be mandatory every time a person exits the nation.
Curbing Overstays and Fake IDs
The Trump administration believes this system will ease the identification of foreign nationals overstaying their visas. It will also catch those using false identities or trying to evade immigration rules. CBP admitted that implementing the system at ports without secure ‘exit lanes’ would be tough. However, modern technology makes it possible now. CBP expects the system to be fully implemented nationwide within the next 3 to 5 years. The public comment period for this proposal is expected to begin on October 27.
