The US Department of Homeland Security has implemented new travel and immigration rules starting December 26, 2025.
These rules affect non-US citizens, including green-card holders, and aim to strengthen national security while modernizing border management using biometric technology.
The new measures allow stricter checks at US borders, including photographs, fingerprints, and eye scans, and impose tougher reviews for green-card holders from certain countries.
Key Changes at US Borders
One major change is the biometric entry-exit system, which will be rolled out gradually over the next 3–5 years, starting with major airports before expanding to land borders and seaports.
Under the new system:
All non-US citizens, including children under 14 and adults over 79, will have biometric checks on entry and exit.
Photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans may be collected and matched with travel documents through the Traveller Verification Service.
Lawful permanent residents (green-card holders) will face more detailed questioning about travel history and documentation.
Stricter Green-Card Reviews for 19 Countries
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will conduct enhanced reviews for green-card holders and applicants from 19 countries flagged for security concerns: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
These reviews are aimed at addressing past concerns over how visas and green cards were vetted and approved.
Green-card holders from these countries should keep all documents up to date and be prepared for possible travel delays.
What Travelers Should Know
Prepare documents: Keep passports, green cards, and travel history handy.
Expect more questioning: Border officers may ask detailed questions on travel, residence, and paperwork.
Pending applications: Visa and green-card processing may take longer due to enhanced checks.
According to the Federal Register, the goal is to prevent terrorism, fraudulent travel documents, overstays, and incomplete biographic data, while ensuring safe and secure border entry and exit for all travelers.
The Department of Homeland Security and USCIS are expected to release additional guidance soon, including new procedures or paperwork requirements.
