A new customs law has been enacted in the United States, affecting non-citizens entering or leaving the country. This law grants officials the authority to request DNA samples from travelers. The Trump administration has made significant changes to the travel system, including an increase in the cost of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the addition of five countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—to its travel ban, effective January 1.

As of December 26, a new biometric data collection system requires travelers to submit facial recognition photos at airports. These images will be matched against existing records and stored for up to 75 years. The Department of Homeland Security may also request additional biometric information, such as fingerprints or DNA, from non-citizens under certain circumstances.

The updated policy broadens the scope of data collection, removing previous age exemptions for children and the elderly. Previously, individuals under 14 and over 79 were not subject to biometric data collection, but now all travelers may be affected. Concerns have been raised by watchdog groups regarding the accuracy of facial recognition technology, particularly its higher misidentification rates among Black individuals and ethnic minorities, as noted in a 2024 report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

The U.S. government states that the new law aims to deter frivolous claims and ensure operational consistency. It specifies that biometric data will generally not be collected unless individuals are in removal proceedings with pending applications or petitions filed with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. This initiative is part of broader efforts to address illegal immigration and visa overstays.

In addition to biometric data, new vetting policies may require travelers to provide five years of social media history, telephone numbers, emails, and family member information when applying for an ESTA. This proposal is linked to Executive Order 14161, which focuses on national security and the prevention of terrorism.

The increased scrutiny and data collection measures have prompted public concern, with some individuals describing the policy as unnecessary and reminiscent of dystopian scenarios. Critics argue that such measures could negatively impact international tourism and personal autonomy, raising questions about the balance between security and civil liberties.