New, stricter measures targeting Green Card holders and non-U.S. citizens officially came into effect on Friday, according to an announcement by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The move follows a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. in early December, involving a suspect believed to be of Afghan origin, which resulted in the death of one National Guard member and injuries to another.
Enhanced Screening and Biometric Measures
An official USCIS memorandum stated that the measures aim to conduct comprehensive reviews and re-interviews of foreign nationals arriving from what are classified as “high-risk countries,” particularly those who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021. The review period could be expanded to include earlier timeframes as well.
Among the most significant changes is the implementation of biometric screening upon both entry and exit. The memo explained that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will now capture photographs of all non-citizens and Green Card holders when they enter or leave the country through airports, land border crossings, and seaports.
These procedures will apply to all age groups, including children under 14 and adults over 79, who were previously exempt. In some cases, fingerprints may be collected and iris scans conducted to match biometric data with travel documents.
Expanded Country-Based Reviews and Impact
In addition, Green Cards belonging to nationals of 19 countries will be subject to enhanced review. These countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, Cuba, Eritrea, Somalia, and Burma (Myanmar), among others. Immigrants from these countries may face delays or suspensions in work permits, travel documents, or visa renewals.
According to a report by Newsweek, these measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen U.S. national security amid rising concerns over potential threats. However, they are also likely to complicate the lives of millions of lawful residents who depend on their Green Cards for employment and international travel.