NEXTGOV/FCW
Natalie Alms
27 October 2025
U.S. citizens can opt out of the facial recognition process, which CBP intends to expand to all air, sea and land ports.
Customs and Border Protection is now authorized to require biometrics from all non-citizens leaving the United States, according to a final rule published by the Department of Homeland Security on Monday.
The goal is to use facial recognition to identify travelers in the name of immigration enforcement, finding people using fraudulent documents and individuals who’ve overstayed visas. U.S. citizens can opt out of the process, DHS says.
The agency has already widely implemented entry checks using facial recognition, and piloted the exit checks at 57 airports. Eventually, DHS intends to expand its entry-exit system to all air, sea and land ports.
The latest rule, which removes previous restrictions against using the technology on children under 14 or people over 79, will take effect on Dec. 26.
CBP expands facial recognition for non-citizens at borders - Nextgov/FCW - 27 Oct 2025
