Cuba Joins Venezuela, Syria, and Iran in US Immigration Ban: How New 2025 Policies Are Changing the Landscape of International Travel and Border Control

Published on December 27, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As of December 27, 2025, significant updates to US immigration regulations have begun affecting foreign nationals, especially Green Card holders, travelers from high-risk countries, and those involved in U.S. visa and immigration processes. These changes stem from the implementation of a new biometric entry-exit system and Presidential Proclamation 10998, which introduces heightened scrutiny for nationals from 19 high-risk countries and further disrupts immigration procedures. The updates reflect ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to bolster national security and streamline immigration procedures, but they also present challenges for foreign nationals, particularly those from countries such as Iran, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, and Somalia.

What Are the Key Changes to U.S. Border Control?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the White House, has implemented a nationwide biometric entry-exit system, which was officially launched on December 26, 2025. This system, initially tested in pilot programs, now represents a permanent part of U.S. border security. The system mandates that all non-U.S. citizens, including Green Card holders, Canadian visitors, and diplomats, submit biometric data at U.S. entry and exit points.

Biometric Data Collection: Who Is Affected?

The new system requires facial biometrics (photographs) to be collected from all foreign nationals at airports, seaports, and land crossings. In certain cases, fingerprints and iris scans may also be taken at the discretion of CBP officers. This includes all non-U.S. citizens, specifically:

• Green Card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents)
• Canadian visitors
• Diplomats
• Other foreign nationals entering or leaving the U.S.

The biometric data will be stored in the DHS Biometric Identity Management System for up to 75 years for non-U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens may opt out of this system, and their biometric data (facial scans) will be deleted within 12 hours of collection.

Age Exemptions Removed for Biometric Checks

Under the new policy, age exemptions for biometric checks have been removed. Children under 14 and adults over 79 are now required to undergo these checks at the border, further expanding the scope of biometric data collection.

What Is the Impact on Green Card Holders?

Green Card holders (U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents) are exempt from the travel bans in Presidential Proclamation 10998, which imposes restrictions on nationals from specific high-risk countries. However, the implementation of biometric checks brings new complications for Green Card holders, especially those from the 19 high-risk countries.

Secondary Inspections for Green Card Holders

While Green Card holders are still permitted to enter the U.S. with their valid Green Card, they will likely undergo secondary inspection at U.S. entry points. Officers are instructed to verify the originality and validity of the Green Card and ensure that travelers’ statuses are appropriately documented. This may lead to longer wait times and additional scrutiny at airports, which could potentially disrupt travel plans.

If a Green Card holder refuses to submit to biometric checks, they could face denial of boarding or entry into the United States. Travelers from high-risk countries may also face delays due to the additional status verification required by CBP officers.

Impact on Pending Applications

For Green Card holders who are in the process of renewing their Green Cards (Form I-90) or applying for citizenship (Form N-400), the application process has been paused if they are from one of the 19 designated high-risk countries. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has placed a processing hold on all pending immigration benefits for individuals from these countries, including Green Card renewals and citizenship applications.

What Are the 19 High-Risk Countries Affected by U.S. Entry Restrictions?

Under the Presidential Proclamation 10998, which goes into effect January 1, 2026, 39 countries are subject to entry restrictions. Of these, 19 countries have been designated as high-risk. Nationals from these countries face enhanced vetting and delayed processing for visas, Green Cards, and other immigration benefits. While Green Card holders from these countries are exempt from entry bans, they face stricter checks and mandatory secondary screenings at the border.

The 19 High-Risk Countries Include:

• Iran, Syria, Libya, Yemen (Middle East)
• Burundi, Chad, Somalia, Sudan, Sierra Leone (Sub-Saharan Africa)
• Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela (Americas)
• Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Laos (Asia)

In addition, individuals using Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents are treated as full ban nationals and cannot enter the U.S.

Travel Restrictions Summary for U.S. Immigration (Effective January 1, 2026)

What Is the Impact on Nationals from These 19 Countries?

For nationals of these 19 countries, the U.S. entry restrictions are a significant barrier, especially for those trying to renew their immigration status or gain entry to the U.S.

1. Entry Bans: Nationals from high-risk countries are not eligible for visa stamps or re-entry under the usual procedures. Those already in the U.S. may experience delays in obtaining permanent status or renewing their visas.
2. Mandatory Secondary Screening: Travelers from these high-risk countries may face additional scrutiny, secondary inspection, and delayed entry. Biometric checks will be used as part of the secondary inspection process, leading to extended wait times for travelers from these nations.
3. Suspension of Immigration Benefits: I-90 and N-400 applications for nationals from the high-risk countries have been suspended. This suspension will remain in place until a comprehensive review of these individuals’ immigration eligibility is completed.

Technological and Procedural Updates for Border Control

Along with the biometric entry-exit system, there have been additional technological updates to U.S. border control procedures.

• The CBP One app has been retired for most functions and replaced with two new apps: CBP Home and CBP Link. These apps allow travelers to submit their biographical data before arriving at U.S. entry points, expediting the entry process, especially at land crossings.
• Traveler Verification Service (TVS): For the first time, the U.S. is tracking departures of Green Card holders and foreign nationals using digital integration with airline manifest data. This provides a new layer of tracking for travelers leaving the U.S., creating a more accurate departure system.

What Should Green Card Holders and Other Travelers Expect Moving Forward?

As these new regulations take effect, Green Card holders and travelers from high-risk countries must be prepared for additional processing at U.S. entry points.

1. Green Card holders are advised to carry their original physical Green Card (not a photocopy) to ensure smoother processing at airports.
2. Allow extra time: Travelers from high-risk countries should arrive early and expect to undergo secondary inspection and biometric checks. They should allow an extra 2-3 hours for processing at the airport.
3. Stay informed: All travelers, especially those from high-risk countries, should keep up-to-date with the latest U.S. immigration policies and border control procedures to avoid delays.

Conclusion: A New Era of U.S. Immigration Security and Scrutiny

The 2025 immigration overhaul and the biometric entry-exit system mark a significant shift in the U.S. border control landscape. These updates, driven by concerns over national security and immigration integrity, are set to impact millions of Green Card holders and foreign nationals entering the U.S. While the changes are intended to enhance security, they are also creating substantial delays and challenges for travelers, particularly from high-risk countries.

With secondary inspections, biometric checks, and suspended applications for nationals of high-risk countries, Green Card holders must be prepared for longer wait times and increased scrutiny. The new U.S. immigration landscape will require travelers to be more diligent, well-prepared, and informed to navigate the complexities of border control in the coming years.