The United States is set to broaden the use of facial recognition technology at its borders to track non-citizens entering and exiting the country, aiming to reduce visa overstays and passport fraud, according to a newly released government document.
New Regulation to Strengthen Border Surveillance
Under a new regulation scheduled to take effect on December 26, US border authorities will have the power to require non-citizens to be photographed at airports, seaports, land crossings, and other points of departure. The move expands on earlier pilot programs and marks a significant step in the nation’s biometric security efforts.
In addition to photographs, authorities may also collect other biometric data, including fingerprints or DNA samples, the document revealed. The regulation further extends the use of facial recognition technology to children under 14 and adults over 79, age groups that were previously exempt from such screenings.
Part of a Wider Immigration Crackdown
The new rule aligns with former President Donald Trump’s broader agenda to curb illegal immigration and enhance border control. While the administration has focused heavily on securing the US-Mexico border, it has also targeted individuals who overstay their visas, a major source of unauthorized immigration.
According to a 2023 report by the Congressional Research Service, around 42% of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States had overstayed their visas. Although Congress mandated an automated entry-exit system back in 1996, full implementation has faced decades of delays.
Privacy and Accuracy Concerns
While authorities view this expansion as a way to enhance national security and immigration enforcement, privacy watchdogs have raised serious concerns. Critics argue that widespread facial recognition use could lead to data misuse, government overreach, and racial bias.
A 2024 report by the US Commission on Civil Rights highlighted that facial recognition systems have shown a higher rate of misidentification among Black individuals and other minority groups, raising questions about fairness and accuracy in border enforcement.
Full Biometric System Implementation on the Horizon
Currently, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) already uses facial recognition technology for all commercial air entries, though it is applied for exits only at select locations. However, the new regulation outlines plans for full biometric entry-exit tracking across all airports and seaports within the next three to five years.
Authorities believe this nationwide rollout will close long-standing security gaps and create a comprehensive system to monitor all non-citizens entering and leaving the US.
Key Takeaways
- The US will expand facial recognition technology for non-citizens at all ports of entry and exit.
- The new regulation, effective December 26, allows collection of additional biometrics like fingerprints and DNA.
- Privacy advocates warn of potential bias and privacy violations.
- A nationwide biometric entry-exit system may be fully operational within 3–5 years.
