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For more security, green card holders now also have to provide biometrics:

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided upon some new rules for immigration: green card holders as well will have to provide biometrics every time they enter the US. The new regulations took effect on January 18.

Shortly before the change of government, US Homeland Security has again added some new immigration regulations and expanded the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program. According to the new regulations, green card holders as well will be fingerprinted and photographed.

The same applies to travelers who want to immigrate into the US or seek asylum in the US. And it also applies to Canadians, unless they simply come to the US for a short shopping trip or a short visit to friends and relatives. The only exceptions are persons younger than 14 or older the 79 years.

DHS describes the expansion of US-VISIT as a further step towards the improvement of public safety and national security. “Linking a person's biometric information to his or her travel documents reduces the risk that a traveler's identity or documents could be intentionally misused by someone attempting to gain entry into the United States,” says the DHS. So far, US VISIT only included persons eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and visa travelers.

Malta now a Visa Waiver country

The US Department of Homeland Security has designated Malta as a Visa Waiver country, i.e. one of the countries whose citizens can travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). “This development will further strengthen the U.S. relationship with Malta and reflect our joint commitment to enhancing trade, travel, and security for all our citizens,” says Stewart Baker from Homeland Security.

Since December 30, 2008 this allows Maltese citizens to travel to the US for a maximum of 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa, provided they have a valid passport and valid ESTA registration.