The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major change in how the United States tracks foreigners coming into and leaving the country. Starting December 26, all non-citizens — including green card holders — will be photographed at every U.S. border crossing, whether they’re arriving or departing by air, land, or sea. This rule is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen national security and tighten immigration enforcement.
This move expands the use of facial recognition technology, something already used at many airport checkpoints. But now, it will be used at every official entry and exit point across the country. That means people crossing borders by car, boat, or plane will all be subject to the same biometric checks. The goal is to close gaps in the system, prevent identity fraud, and stop criminals or traffickers from slipping through unnoticed.
Until now, some age groups were exempt from these scans — specifically children under 14 and adults over 79. Those exceptions were based on older fingerprint technology that didn’t work well for very young or very old people. But now, with facial recognition, those limitations no longer apply. DHS says the technology is accurate enough to include those age groups, and doing so helps fight crimes like child trafficking.
From a national security standpoint, this rule is a long-overdue measure. For years, the U.S. has struggled to keep track of who is in the country. Some foreign nationals enter legally but overstay their visas, disappearing into the population. Others use fake documents to enter or re-enter. Without a consistent system to verify identities on both entry and exit, it becomes much harder to enforce immigration laws or spot threats.
Since 9/11, Congress has pushed for a full biometric entry-exit system to track all foreign visitors. But bureaucratic delays, privacy concerns, and outdated technology slowed progress. Now, with better tools and stronger leadership in Washington, DHS is finally putting the system in place. This is not about targeting legal immigrants — it’s about knowing who is coming and going, and making sure the system works for everyone’s safety.
Critics may argue this is an invasion of privacy or that it unfairly targets non-citizens. But the fact is, every sovereign nation has the right — and the duty — to verify who crosses its borders. Facial recognition is already widely used in the private sector, from unlocking phones to passing through airport security. Using it at borders simply brings U.S. policy in line with modern standards of security.
The stakes are high. The southern border remains under constant pressure from illegal crossings, cartel activity, and human smuggling. At the same time, hostile actors — including terrorist groups and foreign intelligence agencies — have long tried to exploit weak points in U.S. travel systems. A robust biometric system makes it harder for them to hide behind false identities or slip past border agents unnoticed.
It also supports President Trump’s broader effort to restore law and order to America’s immigration system. For too long, loopholes and lax enforcement have encouraged abuse. This rule sends a clear message: the United States is serious about knowing who is entering and who is leaving.
In practice, most travelers won’t notice much difference. The system is designed to be fast and efficient, with cameras taking photos as people pass through checkpoints. There’s no need for extra paperwork or delays. But behind the scenes, those images are matched against government records to confirm identities and flag any concerns.
Ultimately, this change is about protecting the American people. It helps stop criminals, detects imposters, and keeps our homeland safer. In a dangerous world, strong borders and smart technology are not optional — they’re essential. And with this rule, the Trump administration is taking another important step toward securing our nation.