Major US Immigration Policy Changes Take Effect in December 2025
Immigration policy changes in December 2025 are reshaping how the United States processes foreign nationals at its borders and reviews existing immigration benefits. Starting December 26, 2025, new biometric data collection requirements take effect, while ongoing green card reviews for nationals from 19 countries continue to impact hundreds of thousands of immigrants.
These sweeping changes follow the November 2025 announcement of enhanced vetting measures after a tragic incident involving National Guard service members in Washington, D.C. Understanding these updates is essential for anyone navigating the U.S. immigration system.
Key Immigration Policy Updates for December 2025
The Department of Homeland Security has implemented several significant changes affecting travelers and immigrants alike.
- Biometric Data Collection (Dec 26): CBP will photograph all non-citizens entering and leaving the country, including green card holders and visa holders
- Age Restrictions Removed: Children under 14 and adults over 79 will no longer be exempt from facial recognition requirements
- Data Retention Extended: DHS will retain collected biometric records for up to 75 years
- Green Card Reviews: USCIS is conducting full-scale reexamination of green cards for nationals from 19 countries of concern
- Afghan Processing Suspended: All immigration requests for Afghan nationals have been stopped indefinitely
- Refugee Review: Administration reviewing all 233,000 refugees admitted under the previous administration
These measures represent the most significant changes to U.S. border security protocols in recent years. Additionally, proposed rules would expand biometrics collection to include palm prints, voice recognition, and DNA samples.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Changes
The December 2025 immigration policy updates impact a wide range of individuals, from temporary visitors to permanent residents.
For Green Card Holders from 19 Countries
If you hold a green card and are from one of the designated countries of concern, USCIS will conduct a "rigorous reexamination" of your status. The 19 countries include: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
For International Travelers
All non-U.S. citizens will be subject to facial recognition photography when entering or departing the country starting December 26, 2025. This includes tourists, business travelers, and visa holders of all categories. Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements before traveling.
For TPS Holders
Temporary Protected Status has been terminated for multiple countries, with South Sudan TPS ending on January 5, 2026. Over 700,000 TPS recipients are expected to lose legal status by the end of 2025, including 550,000 who are legally employed.
For H-1B Visa Applicants
The new $100,000 fee applies to H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, for beneficiaries outside the U.S. Small businesses report the fee effectively blocks them from hiring foreign talent.
How to Prepare for December 2025 Immigration Changes
Follow these steps to ensure you're prepared for the new requirements.
- Update Your Travel Documents: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and your visa application photos meet all current specifications
- Review Your Immigration Status: If you're from one of the 19 countries of concern, consult with an immigration attorney about your green card status
- Prepare for Biometric Collection: Expect additional processing time at ports of entry starting December 26, 2025
- Check TPS Status: If you hold TPS, verify your country's current designation and termination dates
- Document Everything: Keep copies of all immigration documents, employment records, and correspondence with USCIS
- Monitor Legal Developments: Many of these policies face court challenges that could change implementation
Important Dates and Immigration Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar for upcoming immigration changes.
- December 26, 2025: CBP begins biometric data collection for all non-citizens at ports of entry
- January 2, 2026: Deadline for public comments on proposed expanded biometrics collection rule
- January 5, 2026: TPS protections for South Sudan officially terminate
- Ongoing: Green card reviews for nationals from 19 countries continue indefinitely
- 3-5 Years: CBP plans full rollout of facial recognition at all major airports and seaports
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the biometric collection affect U.S. citizens?
The current rule targets non-citizens only, including green card holders and visa holders. However, a proposed rule under review would expand collection to include some U.S. citizens in certain circumstances. The final rule is still pending.
What happens if my green card is from a country of concern?
USCIS is conducting enhanced reviews of green cards issued to nationals from 19 countries. This doesn't automatically mean revocation, but additional scrutiny of your case. Consulting with an immigration attorney is strongly recommended.
Can I still apply for a visa from a suspended country?
Visa issuance has been fully or partially suspended for nationals of 19 countries since June 2025. Limited exceptions exist for certain visa categories. Check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for current guidance specific to your country.
How will the new biometrics requirement affect my travel time?
Processing times may increase initially as CBP implements facial recognition at all ports of entry. Plan for additional time during check-in and border crossing, especially during the early implementation phase.
What You Need to Know About December 2025 Immigration Changes
The December 2025 immigration policy changes represent a significant shift in how the U.S. manages border security and reviews existing immigration benefits. With biometric collection starting December 26, 2025, and ongoing green card reviews affecting nationals from 19 countries, staying informed is critical for anyone with ties to the U.S. immigration system.
Whether you're applying for a new visa, renewing your green card, or simply planning international travel, ensure your documents are current and your passport photo meets all official requirements. For the latest visa photo specifications and to prepare compliant application photos, VisaPics offers tools designed to help you meet exact government standards for over 950 document types across 170+ countries.
Sources: - [USCIS National Security Measures](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-implements-additional-national-security-measures-in-the-in-the-wake-of-national-guard-shooting) - [Holland & Knight Immigration Updates](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/11/immigration-recent-changes-and-new-regulations) - [CNN - Green Card Reviews](https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/27/politics/us-reexamining-green-card-holders-19-countries) - [Boundless - CBP Facial Recognition Rule](https://www.boundless.com/blog/cbp-facial-recognition-rule-2025) - [Federal Register - Biometric Collection Rule](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/27/2025-19655/collection-of-biometric-data-from-aliens-upon-entry-to-and-departure-from-the-united-states) - [Penn Wharton - TPS Impact Analysis](https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2025/11/19/demographic-and-labor-market-profile-of-tps-beneficiaries)