US to Require Biometric Exit Tracking for All Immigrants and Green Card Holders

The United States will soon mandate biometric exit tracking for all immigrants and green card holders, requiring photographs and potentially other biometric data when leaving the country. Announced by the Department of Homeland Security, the policy aims to enhance national security and identify visa overstays, expanding the scope of existing entry-exit monitoring. The system is scheduled to take effect on December 26, 2025, and will be managed by US Customs and Border Protection.

Under the new rule, biometric data collection will apply to all non-citizens, including permanent residents and foreign visitors. Previously exempt age groups, such as children under 14 and adults over 79, will now be included. Facial recognition technology will serve as the primary method, with fingerprints and other biometrics collected as needed. The data will be cross-referenced with passports and visa information to track individuals who remain in the US beyond their authorized stay.

The move forms part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy under the current administration, which has also included social media vetting, visa cancellations, and expanded ICE operations. Officials say the system will create a comprehensive entry-exit record, strengthen border security, and reduce fraud in travel documentation.

Millions of people entering and leaving the US each year will now be subject to these new requirements. The mandatory biometric exit tracking marks a significant shift in how the US monitors non-citizen movement and reflects the government’s ongoing focus on stricter immigration controls.