Green Card holders: Here's the new rule for entering and leaving the U.S.
Facial scans will soon be required for all Green Card holders at U.S. airports, land crossings, and seaports.
en.as.comHere’s the latest I can share based on recent public coverage up to 2026, focusing on U.S. homeland security and green cards.
Direct answer
- There have been ongoing policy discussions and several high-profile developments around green cards and homeland security since 2025, including tightened vetting, potential program pauses, and updated enforcement directions. However, specifics vary by source and date, and several items are still contested or subject to legal review.
Key recent developments and themes
- Tightened vetting and enforcement. DHS and USCIS have signaled more stringent scrutiny for certain applicants and for those adjusting status, with reports of enhanced background checks and closer look at eligibility factors. This has been described in multiple outlets as part of broader immigration enforcement efforts.[4][6]
- Green card lotteries and program changes. There were reports of pauses or reassessments of certain pathways to permanent residency in late 2025, sometimes tied to security concerns or policy shifts under new DHS leadership. The specifics have been described differently across outlets, with some noting suspensions or reviews and others discussing administrative changes.[2][3][4]
- Travel and entry controls. Some sources have discussed new entry/exit procedures or biometric requirements affecting green card holders traveling to and from the U.S., though details and rollout timelines have varied by jurisdiction and agency guidance.[8][9]
- Media coverage from immigration-focused outlets and commentary channels has highlighted potential policy directions under DHS leadership, including warnings about compliance and changes to status management for green card holders and visa applicants. These sources often frame changes as guidance or proposed rules subject to formal rulemaking and legal challenges.[5][6][4]
What this might mean for you
- If you are a green card holder or pursuing permanent residency, expect more documentation requests, possible RFEs, and heightened scrutiny of eligibility factors such as travel history, tax compliance, and ties to your claimed residence or marriage status. This pattern aligns with recent reporting on the emphasis DHS has placed on verification and compliance checks.[6][4]
- If you are currently outside the U.S. or planning to travel, review the latest DHS/USCIS guidance on re-entry and travel permissions for green card holders, since some coverage mentions altered entry procedures or additional verification steps at ports of entry.[9][8]
Limitations and cautions
- Much of the latest news around green cards and DHS policy has involved leaks, official memos, and media interpretation, with official rules sometimes lagging behind coverage. For precise, current requirements, consult the official USCIS and DHS notices or speak with an immigration attorney.[1][6]
- Several articles cited herein come from a mix of mainstream outlets and immigration-focused channels; for decision-critical matters, prioritize government sources and vetted legal guidance.[6]
Would you like a quick, curated list of official DHS/USCIS pages and a brief summary of the most recent rulemaking or guidance affecting green cards? I can also tailor this to your location in Fortaleza, Brazil, and your specific status (e.g., green card holder, applicant, or family member) if you share a bit more detail.