The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that all foreign nationals who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register starting April 11, 2025.
This is in line with President Trump’s Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which directs the DHS to ensure that aliens comply with their duty to register with the government under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and ensure that failure to comply is treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.
According to the DHS, many aliens in the U.S. have already registered, as required by law. However, due to the significant number left, this new registration method was created to speed up the process.
It should be noted that this registration is not an immigration status, and registration documentation does not create an immigration status, establish employment authorization, or provide any other right or benefit under the INA or any other U.S. law.
What is the purpose of this registration?
The requirement for immigrants to register with the U.S. government upon arrival is not a recent development. This mandate, known as the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR), has its origin in the Alien Registration Act of 1940.
It required most noncitizens to register and undergo fingerprinting by immigration authorities. The INA later codified these obligations after the 1940 Act was repealed.
This new registration method is to ensure strict adherence to the ARR, gather information about all noncitizens in the US, facilitate their location, apprehension, and removal.
Who must register under the DHS rule?
People who must register include:
- A child under 14 who has been in the U.S. for more than 30 days and has not been registered (to be done by the parents or legal guardian)
- Immigrants who turn 14 years old in the U.S., whether previously registered or not (they must register within 30 days of their birthday)
- Immigrants 14 years of age or older who haven’t registered before.
- Immigrants who entered the U.S. without a visa or inspection
- Immigrants from Canada who came into the U.S. through a land border and weren’t given any official paperwork
- Immigrants who applied for DACA, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or Deferred Action, but never received a visa or Form I-94
- Immigrants who have never been fingerprinted or issued official immigration documents
- Immigrants in removal proceedings but were never formally registered
Who is already registered?
People already registered include:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
- Immigrants with parole status in the U.S.
- Immigrants admitted as nonimmigrants to the U.S. who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic).
- Immigrants who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival.
- Immigrants placed into removal proceedings.
- Immigrants issued work permits.
- Immigrants who have applied for lawful permanent residence.
- Immigrants issued Border Crossing Cards.
- Immigrants in the US for less than 30 days; and
- Some Native Americans born in Canada.
How to register under the DHS rule?
The process to register under the new rule is as follows:
-
Create a USCIS account
Each person registering is expected to create an individual account — including children.
-
Fill and submit registration form
The registration form is called Form G-325R (biometric information). The form asks for basic personal information, including: name, date of birth, country of birth, etc. Only the electronic version is available, hence it must be filed online through a USCIS online account. It cannot be filed by mail or in person.
-
Attend biometrics appointment
If required to provide biometrics, USCIS will schedule a biometric services appointment at one of their Application Support Centers (ASCs). Fingerprints, photo, and signature are taken at an ASC.
It is not every immigrant who registers that gets invited for biometrics— but once invited, attendance is mandatory as missing a scheduled appointment can result in penalties.
-
Receive and download registration documentation
Once registration is complete (and biometrics submitted, if required), USCIS will upload proof of registration (USCIS Proof of G-325R Registration) to each alien’s online account who can then proceed to download a PDF version of the notice and print it.
What happens after registration?
After registration, the DHS is expecting immigrants 18 years of age and over to always have the evidence of their registration in their possession at all times. Noncompliance can result in a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Also, immigrants who register must report any address changes to USCIS in writing within 10 days of moving. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines, 30 days imprisonment, or both. Non-compliance can also lead to deportation unless the failure to report was unintentional or reasonably excusable.
Are there consequences for not registering?
Any immigrant in the U.S. required to register but willfully refuses to do so will be guilty of a misdemeanor and will, upon conviction, be fined not to exceed $5,000 or be imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.
Is there a deadline for registration under the DHS rule?
The new rule does not specify a given deadline for registration. However, it says that children who are instructed to register must do so and get fingerprinted within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
Contact The Law Office of Anne Z. Sedki for more information
If you are not sure if you are to register and need legal advice, we encourage you to speak with our expert immigration attorneys.
Additionally, if you are an undocumented immigrant in the U.S., you may need to understand the risks registration might present for you as immigration enforcement will know you are in the U.S. and may take steps to detain and deport you.
Contact The Law Offices of Anne Z. Sedki on +1-516-540-7948 or fill this form to schedule a consultation. We look forward to answering all your immigration questions.