The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has enacted a sweeping new regulation requiring nearly all noncitizens to submit facial recognition scans when entering and exiting the United States.

The new rule is implemented from December 26, 2025.

Titled as “Collection of Biometric Data from Aliens Upon Entry to and Exit from the United States” the law states, “DHS may require certain aliens to provide biometrics when entering and departing the United States, they only authorise DHS to collect biometrics from certain aliens upon departure under pilot programs at land ports and at up to 15 airports and seaports.”

“DHS is amending the regulations to remove the references to pilot programs and the port limitation. In addition, to enable CBP to make the process for verifying the identity of aliens more efficient, accurate, and secure by using facial recognition technology, DHS is amending the regulations to provide that all aliens may be required to be photographed upon entry and/or departure,” it added.

The list of the affected countries is:

• Afghanistan
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen
• Burundi
• Cuba
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela

While U.S. citizens are exempt, they may participate voluntarily. Those who choose not to participate will undergo traditional manual passport inspection. 

A Frontier Airlines flight was disrupted this week when a passenger erupted in a profanity-filled outburst against a flight attendant, accusing her of bias and “triggering” her, before being calmly removed from the aircraft.

The incident was filmed by another passenger in which it is clearly seen that a woman started curing the crew member loudly.

The passenger repeatedly claimed the flight attendant had “an issue with minorities” and stated she expected “a little bit more kindness and respect.”

The outburst was initiated from a mundane question that was “Are you from Florida?” which the passenger interrupted as disrespectful.

The flight attendant remained poised and confident throughout the exchange. She calmly addressed stating, “I don’t know what you went through today,” and firmly noted, “you’re in control of your own actions.”

After the passenger continued her tirade with continuous shouting profanities in an area with children.

She instructed a colleague to call security and informed the passenger she would be removed from the flight.

Another passenger on the plane, raised his hand in the gesture of solidarity, supporting the crewmember’s handling of the situation.

The cabin erupted in cheers when it was announced the disruptive woman would be taken off the plane.

Subsequently, the passenger was escorted from the aircraft by security.

Industry observers note that while incidents of passenger misconduct occur across all airlines, they are frequently reported on ultra-low-cost carriers such as Frontier.