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These reforms coincide with the expansion of travel bans to 39 countries starting January 1, 2026, under proclamations suspending immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for nationals of countries with deficiencies in identity management.


United States
UNITED STATES ------------------------------------2119ADVISORY

The Passport to the Digital Profile

The New Migration Proposal Under Review by the U.S.

In early 2026, the United States plans to implement a series of immigration reforms that mark a shift toward digitization and the intensive use of biometrics in the country’s entry and exit processes. Under the administration of Donald Trump, measures such as the expansion of the biometric entry-exit system, the requirement of selfies and social media data for ESTA applicants, and the proposal to migrate applications to exclusive mobile platforms seek to strengthen national security. These initiatives, driven by executive orders such as 14161 of January 2025 and subsequent proclamations, respond to concerns over terrorism, document fraud, and visa overstays. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) argue that these tools enable more accurate identity verification, reducing risks while streamlining flows at airports and borders.

Biometric Expansion at U.S. Borders

Since December 26, 2025, a final rule mandates the collection of biometric data — primarily facial photographs — from virtually all non-citizens entering or exiting the U.S., including lawful permanent residents (green card holders). This measure removes previous exemptions, such as those for minors under 14 or adults over 79, and extends to land crossings, seaports, and airports. U.S. citizens may opt for traditional manual inspection, but foreign nationals are automatically integrated into DHS’s biometric management system, where data are retained for up to 75 years. Immigration experts note that this expansion closes gaps in exit tracking, enabling more precise detection of overstays and preventing illegal reentries.

Digital Transformation of ESTA

In parallel, CBP proposes radical changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), used by travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. The agency plans to eliminate the ESTA website, requiring all applications to be submitted through a mobile app. This transition facilitates electronic passport chip reading, live selfie verification for liveness detection, and automatic data extraction. In addition, applicants would be required to disclose social media identifiers from the past five years, along with historical phone numbers and email addresses. The goal is to combat fraud and assess security risks through digital data mining, aligned with the 2025 executive order expanding vetting.

USCIS Proposals and Privacy Concerns

Another proposal from USCIS, open for comments until January 2, 2026, seeks to expand biometric collection in immigration benefit applications. It would eliminate age limits, include iris scans, palm prints, voice, and possibly DNA, and extend requirements to sponsors, including U.S. citizens associated with petitions. This rule would strengthen identity verification, preventing fraud in family relationships and combating human trafficking. Critics warn of privacy implications, as it would create exhaustive digital profiles with data retained indefinitely.

Travel Bans and Enhanced Scrutiny

These reforms coincide with the expansion of travel bans to 39 countries starting January 1, 2026, under proclamations suspending immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for nationals of countries with deficiencies in identity management. While they do not revoke existing visas, they impose additional scrutiny, integrating digital profiles into admission decisions. The combination of facial biometrics at borders and social data promises to reduce impostors, but sparks debates over discrimination and processing overload.

The Traveler Experience

From the traveler’s perspective, the shift from the physical passport to digital profiles offers convenience: apps such as CBP Home allow self-reporting of departures with selfies and geolocation, streamlining processes. However, it also poses challenges: dependence on smartphones, risks of cyberattacks on sensitive data, and potential denials based on old social media posts. Civil rights organizations express concern over mass surveillance, arguing that it affects freedom of expression and disproportionately impacts certain communities.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The economic and tourism impact is another potential pitfiall. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, millions of VWP visitors will face these requirements. Analysts predict initial delays at airports, but long-term improvements in efficiency. Airlines and airport operators are collaborating on implementation, using proprietary technology for biometric capture during boarding.

A New Immigration Paradigm

In summary, this transition represents a paradigm shift: from the physical document to the comprehensive digital profile, where biometrics and online data define admissibility. While the government emphasizes security, public debate — with open comment periods — will shape its final scope. By 2026, the U.S. positions itself as a leader in digital immigration, balancing innovation with individual rights in an interconnected world, and bringing into focus whether unobstructed travel is a right or a privilege.

By Jazmin Agudelo for Ruta Pantera on 1/14/2026 7:09:19 AM

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References:
Biometric entry‑exit expansion in effect since Dec 26, 2025: Mandating social media history & proposed ESTA app shift: Travel restrictions/ vetting proclamations tied to national security: Discussion of broader biometric data proposals (including DNA):


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