A new federal immigration framework has come into force, tightening oversight of both international travel and residency status for non-US citizens. Under Department of Homeland Security rules introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration, green card holders are now subject to expanded biometric monitoring at US borders and renewed scrutiny of green cards already issued, reflecting a broader security-focused approach to immigration enforcement.
The updated measures authorize federal authorities to monitor the international travel of all non-US citizens, including lawful permanent residents. As part of the policy, a list of 19 countries was published.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services was instructed to review green cards already granted to citizens from those nations.
According to reports, US Customs and Border Protection has expanded its biometric entry-exit system. The new rules apply to all foreign nationals, including green card holders.
Screening is now mandatory at airports, land borders, and seaports. Travelers will be checked every time they enter or leave the United States. Groups that were previously exempt, including children under 14 and adults over 79, are now covered under the updated requirements.
Under the process, CBP officers will photograph travelers. In some cases, fingerprints or iris scans may also be collected. These biometric details are verified against existing records through the agency’s Traveler Verification Service.
At the same time, USCIS will conduct additional and intensive reviews of green cards issued to citizens from 19 countries. These are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The reviews are linked to concerns over previous vetting and approval standards.
For green card holders, the changes carry several direct implications. Biometric checks are now mandatory at every U.S. border crossing. Permanent residents should expect to be photographed each time they arrive or depart. Fingerprinting or iris scans may also be required.
Travellers may also face closer inspection during border checks. Heightened scrutiny is expected, particularly for individuals connected to the 19 countries under increased monitoring. Officials may spend additional time verifying travel history and records.
Keeping documentation accurate and up to date has become essential. Green card holders may be asked to provide verification or additional information. Being prepared can help respond quickly to official requests.
Processing timelines may also be affected. The new measures could lead to slower reviews of pending or future green card and visa applications. This uncertainty applies to both applicants and existing residents.
US Customs and Border Protection said in a Federal Register filing that the biometric entry-exit system compares data collected when travelers arrive with data gathered when they leave. The agency said the system is meant to deal with national security concerns. These include terrorism threats, misuse of legitimate travel documents, visa overstays, unauthorized presence in the country, and incomplete or incorrect biographic information.
The biometric entry-exit system will roll out over the next three to five years. It will start at major airports. It will then move to land borders and seaports.
The Department of Homeland Security and USCIS are expected to put out more guidance. This will cover protocols and documentation requirements. Green card holders, particularly those from the 19 listed countries, are being told to keep their records up to date. They should watch for official communications.
They may also consult immigration attorneys if they are travelling or waiting on status decisions.
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