The biggest DHS headline this week: the Department of Homeland Security just unveiled a sweeping new rule to expand biometrics collection for anyone involved in immigration benefit requests—not just non-citizens, but U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents too, and regardless of age. Unlike current practice, where fingerprints and photos are collected, DHS now aims to require a range of biometrics, even DNA, and wants ongoing, periodic submissions from foreign nationals until citizenship is achieved. The department says this move enhances identity verification and national security, but privacy advocates are raising tough questions about data security and surveillance, especially given the inclusion of minors and U.S. citizens. DHS also wants to tighten what counts as a valid reason for rescheduling a biometrics appointment, shifting from “good cause” to only “extraordinary circumstances” and withdrawing the presumption of good moral character for applicants under 14, a standard that's been in place for decades.

Alongside this, DHS has officially expanded immigration enforcement powers for its USCIS branch. For the first time, USCIS officers now serve as sworn law-enforcement agents—authorized to investigate criminal violations, make arrests, carry firearms, and execute search and arrest warrants. Acting DHS Secretary Kenneth Cuccinelli called this “a historic step to unify benefit adjudication and fraud prevention under a single roof,” claiming it will streamline investigations and ramp up efforts against immigration-related crimes.

Meanwhile, ICE is planning a 24/7 call center in Nashville to help law enforcement track unaccompanied migrant children for removal. Immigration advocates call this move dangerous, warning it may subject minors to insufficient legal protections and rapid deportations. At the state level, Texas is increasing its participation in the federal 287(g) program, deputizing state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws. This expansion prompted concerns from civil rights groups about racial profiling and community trust in law enforcement.

For businesses—especially those who rely on foreign talent—expect heavier scrutiny in visa applications and compliance checks, particularly with concurrent Department of Labor initiatives targeting H-1B visa compliance. Universities are being urged by legal experts to audit their sponsorship practices, as Project Firewall ramps up oversight of academic H-1B hires.

These changes affect millions: American citizens may face longer application times and more data-sharing, while mixed-status families could see heightened vetting. Employers risk higher administrative costs and stiffer penalties for non-compliance. For state and local governments, new responsibilities and potential legal battles loom, particularly in states like Texas that challenge federal immigration decisions. Internationally, stricter visa policies and expanded revocations could strain relations, as shown by the U.S. State Department’s revocation of roughly 80,000 nonimmigrant visas this year alone, more than double the yearly average.

If these proposals are finalized, they could roll out as soon as early 2026. DHS encourages public comment on the biometrics expansion and its regulatory portal remains open for feedback—so if you have concerns, now’s the time to speak up. For more, check the Federal Register or DHS’s official press releases.

Coming up, listeners should watch for the operational launch of the ICE call center by March, the outcome of legislative action on several immigration bills now in committee, and final implementation dates for these new enforcement measures.

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