New entry and exit rules have been implemented to protect and verify the identity of foreign nationals in the US. These changes are especially important for students and workers who want to study or work in America. The US government is constantly making improvements to the immigration process to strengthen security.
Inspection at all border entry points
As per these new rules, biometric verification has been made mandatory for all non-citizens, including green card holders, from December 26. These checks will be conducted at all border entry points including airports, sea ports and land borders. Students, workers, and other non-citizens must go through this process when entering or leaving the United States.
It is likely that a large number of Indian students will go to America for studies in the next year 2026. Along with that, Indian workers will also enter America for jobs. In such times, it becomes very important to know the new rules, so that the process of entry and exit can be easy. These rules are equally applicable for green card holders.
Changes to H-1B Visa Rules
Immigration rules for foreign nationals have been constantly changed during the administration of President Donald Trump. Biometric entry-exit system is also an important part of the same category. Along with this, the changes in H-1B visa rules have also proved important for foreign workers.
Now, if a student or worker enters the United States, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will take their photograph. Fingerprints and iris scans will also be taken if necessary, so that the identity of the person can be matched with the travel documents. The whole process is to ensure that the visa holder and the person entering are one and the same.
Under these rules, children below 14 years of age and senior citizens above 79 years of age will also have to provide biometric details. Earlier this process was implemented as a pilot project in some border locations, but now it has been made mandatory nationwide.
Order to implement entry-exit tracking system
The US government says collecting biometric data strengthens national security. In 2017, President Donald Trump through an executive order ordered the implementation of a biometric entry-exit tracking system. The Department of Homeland Security then made the pilot program permanent.
Before implementing the new rules, CBP developed a cloud-based system called the Traveler Verification Service. The system captures facial biometrics along with travel documents. According to the government, this process facilitates identification of foreign nationals, reduces pressure on officials and helps prevent criminals, suspected terrorists and visa fraud.
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