Expanded Surveillance for Non-U.S. Citizens as They Leave the Country
As the holiday season wraps up, a significant change awaits non-U.S. citizens departing from the United States. Starting immediately after Christmas, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing a new surveillance system that will require non-citizens to be photographed as they exit the country.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will now photograph visitors, immigrants, and green card holders at exit points, filling a gap in the current system that lacks biometric data collection for outbound travelers. This new measure is detailed in a recent Federal Register announcement.
The primary goal of this initiative is to compare the biometric data of individuals entering and leaving the country. According to agency officials, this data will be crucial in addressing security concerns such as potential terror threats, visa overstays, and visa fraud. Notably, the new rule removes previous age exemptions, meaning individuals under 14 and over 79 will also be required to have their photographs taken.
The DHS is actively seeking public feedback on this new rule, with comments being accepted until November 26. Interested parties can submit their opinions and concerns through the Federal Register.
