New U.S. Exit Rules Take Effect in December: Will Green Card Holders Face a "Residency Monitoring Requirement"?

Starting December, the U.S. will roll out a “new rule” that some see as a kind of “residence monitoring” for green card holders. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s going on with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new biometric entry/exit system and what it means for green card holders.

If you want more details, visit the official DHS page: Biometrics | Homeland Security

The Big News: Digital Upgrade, Not a Law Change

First, here’s the good news: The actual law about “residence intent” for green card holders has not changed. What’s new is the technology Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses to track entries and exits.

● Before: CBP officers checked passport stamps and ran databases that could sometimes lag behind.

● Starting Dec. 26, 2025: Biometric systems (like facial recognition) will automatically and instantly record every entry and exit at airports, land borders, and seaports—including exit records, which used to be less strictly tracked.

For green card holders who live mostly in the U.S., this means faster processing. But for those who live mostly abroad and travel back and forth, it means CBP will have a clear picture of exactly how much time you spend in the U.S.

Why This Matters for Green Card Holders

Many green card holders have relied on a kind of “gray area” by making brief trips to the U.S. to maintain their status without actually living here full time. With the new system tracking every second, that approach will no longer work.

Many are worried: “I have a business overseas and don’t come to the U.S. often. Will this hurt my green card?”

Is Coming to the U.S. Once a Year Enough?

A common misconception is that just showing up once a year or twice a year is enough to keep your green card safe. Under the new biometric system, CBP will see if you spend far more time outside the U.S. than inside.

Officers may ask questions like:

● “You spend most of your time abroad. How can you prove the U.S. is your permanent home?”

● “How long do you plan to stay this time?”

This doesn’t mean you can’t live outside the U.S. long-term, but you need to show good reasons for it.

Expert Legal Take: What Counts as Maintaining Residence?

We asked immigration attorney Oliver Yang to explain. He says that in today’s digital age, simply “checking in” isn’t enough if you don’t actually live in the U.S. You need strong evidence to prove you haven’t given up your green card.

Practical Advice: How to Protect Your Green Card Under the New Rules

If you mainly live outside the U.S. but want to keep your green card, here’s what you should do:

1. Apply for a Re-entry Permit (“official leave of absence”):

2.  This document lets the U.S. government know you plan to be away for a long time but intend to keep your green card. It lowers the risk of being questioned at the border. Maintain Your Ties to the U.S.:

a.  Even if you’re abroad, keep your U.S. connections alive: File your U.S. taxes on time

b. Keep your U.S. bank accounts active

c. Maintain property bills and utilities if you own a home

d. If your kids study in the U.S., that’s strong proof you haven’t abandoned your residence

3. Be Honest at the Border:

When asked, cooperate with biometric checks (facial scans, fingerprints). If questioned about your time abroad, explain the reasons honestly—whether it’s business, family care, etc.—and show your re-entry permit or other evidence. Bottom Line

This new biometric system makes the immigration process more transparent. For those who plan and comply, it actually reduces risks of misunderstandings or wrongful denial of entry. It’s a reminder to stop relying on “luck” and start managing your green card status properly.

If you want professional help, companies like GLOBEVISA have over 10 years of experience assisting clients with U.S. immigration, including EB-5 investment visas and high-skilled talent visas. They offer tailored solutions to help you navigate these new rules smoothly.