30 December 2025
Effective December 26, 2025, sweeping changes to U.S. immigration enforcement have officially taken effect. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented new visa travel restrictions and biometric monitoring protocols that directly impact green card holders and visa applicants, especially from certain high-risk countries.
At VKM Law Group, our team of experienced immigration attorneys in New Jersey is here to break down what these changes mean for you, and how to stay compliant and protected.
Why This Matters
These new rules were introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader initiative to:
- Enhance national security
- Modernize the U.S. border management system
- Identify and prevent potential overstays and fraudulent use of immigration documents
While the long-term implications are still developing, the impact for green card holders and applicants from 19 designated countries is immediate and serious.
Key Changes You Need to Know
1. Biometric Entry-Exit System
Who’s Affected: All non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
What’s New:
- Mandatory photograph capture at every U.S. entry and exit point (airports, land crossings, seaports)
- Potential collection of fingerprints and iris scans
- Children under 14 and adults over 79 are no longer exempt
This information will be used to verify identity and match biometric data with existing government records under the Traveler Verification Service.
2. Green Card Reviews for Citizens of 19 Countries
USCIS will now re-evaluate previously issued green cards to individuals from countries flagged for national security risks, including:
Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
What to Expect:
- Heightened screening at ports of entry
- Possible delays or additional requests for documentation
- Longer processing times for green card renewals or applications
What Green Card Holders Should Do Now
If you or your loved ones are lawful permanent residents or have pending immigration applications, here are practical steps to protect your status:
- Prepare for Border Checks
Have your documents (passport, green card, visa) ready and be aware of possible biometric scans. - Keep All Records Up to Date
Update any expired IDs, addresses, or employment documentation that USCIS may request. - Know Your Rights
You have the right to legal counsel. If you are questioned at the border, request to speak to your immigration attorney before signing anything. - Avoid Unnecessary International Travel
If you are from one of the 19 flagged countries or have a pending immigration case, consider postponing travel until further guidance is released.
What the Government Is Saying
“Implementing an integrated biometric entry-exit system… helps address national security concerns arising from the threat of terrorism, fraudulent travel documents, and overstays,”
— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Federal Register
The CBP has stated this data-driven approach will continue to roll out over the next 3 to 5 years, beginning with major U.S. international airports.
What Comes Next
- More detailed protocols are expected from DHS and USCIS in early 2026.
- Legal challenges and public debates may also shape how these policies are enforced.
- Green card holders from affected countries should expect additional review steps when renewing or updating their permanent resident status.
How VKM Law Group Can Help
At VKM Law Group, we specialize in U.S. immigration law and have helped hundreds of families and individuals navigate complex legal changes. If you’re affected by the new green card rules or have concerns about visa travel restrictions, our team of trusted attorneys in New Jersey is ready to support you.
📞 Schedule a consultation today to get personalized legal advice and stay ahead of regulatory changes.