Overview
- The final rule requires photographing non‑citizens at all U.S. entry and departure points and permits collection of other biometrics such as fingerprints.
- Previous age exemptions for travelers under 14 and over 79 are eliminated, and the current ability to opt out via manual inspection will end when the rule takes effect.
- CBP targets land‑border deployment next year and projects full airport and seaport implementation within three to five years.
- DHS says the system is intended to detect visa overstays and combat document fraud, with records for non‑citizens potentially retained for up to 75 years while photos of U.S. citizens used for verification are not kept beyond 12 hours.
- Civil liberties groups and immigration attorneys warn of privacy, data‑sharing and accuracy risks, especially for people of color, and anticipate court challenges as pilots and procedures are finalized.