5 things you need to know about the u.s. department of homeland security's new digital fingerprinting rule for international travelers
The u.s. department of homeland security just dropped a massive policy update that will change how you enter the country. Here’s what you need to know.
- Universal fingerprint requirement: Starting next month, the u.s. department of homeland security will mandate fingerprint scans for all non-U.S. citizens aged 14 and older, including Visa Waiver Program entrants who were previously exempt.
- Instant biometric checks at airports: New portable scanners at major international airports will cross-check your prints against criminal databases within 10 seconds, reducing wait times but raising privacy alarms.
- No more opt-out: Unlike the old photo-only policy, this rule removes the option to refuse fingerprinting at customs, giving the u.s. department of homeland security legal authority to deny entry for non-compliance.
- Data stored for 75 years: Your fingerprints and travel history will be retained in the u.s. department of homeland security's Automated Biometric Identification System, sparking backlash from privacy groups.
- Pilot program expansion: This builds on a 2023 pilot at five airports that flagged 2,000+ fraudulent documents, but critics say the u.s. department of homeland security lacks oversight safeguards for misuse.