Collection of Biometric Data From Aliens Upon Entry to and Departure From the United States

Document type: Rule Publication date: 2025-10-27 Document number: 2025-19655

Abstract

This final rule amends Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to provide that DHS may require all aliens to be photographed when entering or exiting the United States, and may require non-exempt aliens to provide other biometrics. The final rule also amends the regulations to remove the references to pilot programs and the port limitation to permit collection of biometrics from aliens departing from airports, land ports, seaports, or any other authorized point of departure. In addition, DHS is requesting comments on the specific collection process as well as costs and benefits for new transportation modalities.

Official sources

Why this matters for immigrants

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  • ICE (enforcement, removal, detention)
  • EOIR (immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals)
  • CBP (border admissibility and inspection)

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Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Federal Register rules change frequently; always verify the current version at the source URL.

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