From December 26, mandatory biometric checking of all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, at border points comes into effect. This means their photographs would be taken by US Customs and Border Protection officials at every entry and exit point across airports, land crossings and seaports. This new rule is applicable to all non-US citizens entering or exiting the country. Children below 14 years and adults over 79 years are also included. This is not entirely new. Biometric collection at exit for the US was limited to pilot programs at select ports. Now this is mandatory.
The CBP may also decide to collect fingerprints and iris scans and match them against existing travel documents as part of the Traveler Verification Service.
Will diplomats too have to give their biometrics?
The CBP confirmed that the diplomats are not exempt from the program. They will also have to give their biometrics.
Will Canadians have to submit their biometrics?
Yes, Canadians too are not exempt from the new rule. The new rules are applicable to all non-US travelers even those who are traveling on private aircraft or crossing the border on foot.
Are US citizens exempt from the new rule?
Yes, the biometric collection is not meant for US citizens but the CBP said that US citizens, if they want, can voluntarily participate in the facial biometrics process at entry and exit. U.S. citizens who prefer to opt out of the facial biometrics process may simply notify a CBP officer or airline representative and undergo manual inspection of their passport, as required for international travel. CBP said it discards US citizens’ photos within 12 hours of the identity verification process and enrolls noncitizens in the DHS Biometric Identity Management System, which retains the photos for up to 75 years.
