The US government can now collect biometric data from all foreign visitors, everywhere

The Department of Homeland Security can now require all foreign visitors to provide biometric data, like fingerprints and photos, when entering or leaving the United States. This rule removes previous limits on where and when this data could be collected, expanding it to all ports of entry and departure.

This change means the US government can now collect and store biometric data from every non-citizen entering or leaving the country, regardless of their visa status or nationality. Before, this was limited to specific pilot programs and ports. This expansion creates a comprehensive biometric database for foreign travelers, which could be used for identity verification, security screening, or tracking individuals across borders.