Archive · 27 Oct 2025
US to Expand Biometric Tracking at Borders, Risking Entry Bans
The US government is making it so everyone who isn't a US citizen has to get their picture taken when they enter and leave the country.
This includes people visiting, living here with a green card, or those here illegally.
The new rule will use facial recognition to identify people and will apply to everyone, even children and seniors who were previously exempt.
The government says this helps with security and catching people who break the rules.
Some groups worry that the technology might make mistakes and cause problems for some people.
If you don't let them take your picture, you might not be allowed to enter the US.
CBP is expanding its biometric tracking program, primarily using facial recognition.
The rule applies to all non-US citizens entering or leaving the US.
It covers airports, seaports, and land crossings.
Exemptions for children and seniors are eliminated.
Failure to provide photographs could lead to denied entry or removal.
- Who
- CBP and all non-US citizens
- What
- Expansion of biometric tracking with photographs and facial recognition for all non-US citizens entering or departing the US
- When
- Effective 60 days after October 27
- Where
- US airports, seaports, and land crossings
- Why
- To address national security risks, fraudulent travel documents, and visa overstays.
Civil Liberties Concerns
National Security Concerns
Accuracy and Bias
Civil Liberties Concerns
Facial-recognition technology can be error-prone and may exhibit demographic bias.
National Security Concerns
CBP asserts the system enhances identity verification and improves national security.
- Agency
- US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Action
- Expansion of biometric tracking program
- Coverage
- Airports, seaports, and land crossings
- Impact
- All non-US citizens
- Biometric Data
- Photographs and facial recognition
- Effective Date
- 60 days after October 27