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Original Date Announced
November 3, 2025DHS issued a notice and request for comments on proposed amendments to its regulations governing biometrics use and collection. The proposed rule would expand biometric collections to include "any applicant, petitioner, sponsor, supporter, derivative, dependent, beneficiary, or individual filing or associated with a benefit request or other request or collection of information, including U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents, and without regard to age," subject to exemptions. Additionally, the rule:
- requires all noncitizens subject to removal proceedings and reinstatements of removal orders to submit biometrics;
- requires the collection of biometrics upon the arrest, apprehension, or encounter by DHS of any noncitizen;
- allows DHS to "implement a program of continuous immigration vetting," that would require noncitizen to continuously submit biometrics until they obtain or acquire U.S. citizenship;
- removes age restrictions associated with biometrics collection in DHS regulations;
- allows DHS to require or request "raw DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or DNA test results, which include a partial DNA profile," to establish a genetic relationship or determine eligibility for immigration and naturalization benefits;
- changes the definition of "biometrics" to include a wider range of modalities, such as facial imagery, prints, signature, ocular imagery, voice, and/or DNA;
- changes the standard for requesting a new biometric services appointment to “extraordinary circumstances" rather than "good cause";
- changes requirements for VAWA and T-visa petitioners.
DHS states that the proposed changes would aid its transition to a "person-centric model to organize and manage its records, manage unique identities, and verify immigration records" and "reduce reliance on biographic data for identity management."
Comments will be accepted for 60-days until January 2, 2026.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2044]
2025.11.03 DHS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Collection and Use of Biometrics by USCISCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Proposed Comment PeriodTrump Administration Actions: Agency Directive Forms and Information CollectionSubject Matter:Agencies Affected: USCISAssociated or Derivative Policies
- September 11, 2020 DHS proposes rule to expand biometric data collection
- October 27, 2025 CBP issues final rule to collect biometric information from noncitizens at ports of entry
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com
Commentary
DHS seeks vast expansion of biometrics collection for immigration benefits
FedScoop offers commentary on the proposed biometric rule.
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