Archive · 27 Dec 2025
US Tightens Immigration Rules for Non-Citizens
The US has introduced new rules for people who are not US citizens, including those with Green Cards.
Starting December 26, 2025, everyone entering or leaving the US will have their photo taken, and some may also have their fingerprints or eye scans taken.
This includes children and older adults who were previously exempt.
The US will also pay extra attention to Green Card holders from 19 countries that the government considers a security risk.
These people may have to go through more interviews and checks.
Additionally, the US has paused reviewing applications for Green Cards, citizenship, and asylum from these 19 countries.
The rules are part of the Trump administration's efforts to make immigration stricter and ensure better security.
New rules require biometric data collection for all non-US citizens entering or leaving the US.
Exemptions for children under 14, adults over 79, diplomats, and Canadian visitors have been removed.
Green Card holders from 19 countries will face tougher reviews and potential re-interviews.
The US has paused reviewing pending applications for Green Cards, citizenship, and asylum from these 19 countries.
The Trump administration has expanded the travel ban to include 12 fully restricted and 7 partially restricted countries.
- Who
- Non-US citizens, including Green Card holders
- What
- Stricter biometric checks and tougher Green Card reviews
- When
- December 26, 2025 and January 1, 2026
- Where
- US borders and points of entry/exit
- Why
- Enhanced security measures and stricter immigration policies
- Agency
- US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Rule Effective Date
- December 26, 2025
- Biometric Data
- Photographs, fingerprints, iris scans
- Exemptions Removed
- Children under 14, adults over 79, diplomats, Canadian visitors
- Green Card Reviews
- Tougher reviews for holders from 19 countries
- Travel Ban Countries
- 12 fully restricted, 7 partially restricted
- Pending Applications Paused
- Green cards, citizenship, asylum from 19 countries
- US Citizens
- Voluntary participation in biometric process