Alien Registration Requirement Overview
Executive Order and Legal Basis
- On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159 (Protecting the American People Against Invasion)
- The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to enforce the alien registration requirements under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
- The order makes failure to comply with registration a civil and criminal enforcement priority
Compliance Requirements
- On or by April 11, 2025, the following will apply to all noncitizens, regardless of status:
- Present in the U.S. for 30 days or more as of April 11, 2025, without registration evidence: Register immediately via USCIS.
- Entering on or after April 11, 2025, without registration evidence: Register within 30 days of arrival.
- Turning 14 in the U.S.: Re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of your 14th birthday, even if previously registered.
- Parents or guardians of minors under 14: Register minors if they remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.
- Upon registration and fingerprinting, DHS will issue proof of registration
- All noncitizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times
- This administration has directed DHS to prioritize enforcement, there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance
Who Must Register
- All aliens 14 years or older who:
- Were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa
- Have remained in the United States for 30 days or longer
- Must apply before the 30 days expire
- Parents or legal guardians must register aliens under 14 years old who have been in the U.S. for 30+ days
- Any alien who turns 14 while in the United States must register within 30 days of their birthday
Exemptions from Registration
- American Indians born in Canada who entered under section 289 of the INA
- Members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas who entered under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act
Who is Already Considered Registered
- Lawful permanent residents
- Aliens paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5), even if parole has expired
- Nonimmigrants issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if admission expired
- Aliens present in the U.S. who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before last arrival
- Aliens placed in removal proceedings
- Aliens issued employment authorization documents
- Aliens who applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700 and provided fingerprints
- Aliens issued Border Crossing Cards
Who is NOT Registered (and Must Register)
- Aliens present in the U.S. without inspection and admission/parole who haven’t otherwise registered
- Canadian visitors who entered at land ports of entry without evidence of registration
- Aliens who submitted benefit requests not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including applications for deferred action or Temporary Protected Status who weren’t issued evidence of registration
Registration Process
- Create a USCIS Online Account
- Each alien needs their own individual account
- Parents/guardians must create separate accounts for children under 14
- Submit Form G-325R online
- Must be filed electronically (not by mail or in person)
- Each alien submits from their own account
- Parents/guardians submit on behalf of children under 14
- USCIS Review
- USCIS will check if you’ve already registered
- If already registered, no further action needed
- If registration required, USCIS will determine if biometrics appointment needed
- Biometrics Collection (if required)
- USCIS will schedule appointment at Application Support Center
- No biometric services fee required
- Willful failure to attend may result in criminal penalties
- Receive Registration Documentation
- USCIS will post proof of registration to your online account
- You can download and print a PDF version
Ongoing Requirements
- All registered aliens 18+ must carry and have in their personal possession evidence of registration at all times
- Must report change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- For willful failure to register or provide biometrics:
- Misdemeanor conviction
- Fine up to $5,000
- Imprisonment up to 6 months
- Or both
- For failure to carry evidence of registration (if 18+):
- Misdemeanor conviction
- Fine up to $5,000
- Imprisonment up to 30 days
- Or both
- For failure to update address:
- Misdemeanor conviction
- Fine up to $5,000
- Imprisonment up to 30 days
- Or both
- Possible deportation unless failure was reasonably excusable or not willful
Important Notes
- Registration is not an immigration status
- Registration does not create an immigration status or establish employment authorization
- Registration does not provide any right or benefit under the INA or other U.S. law
- The document advises avoiding immigration scams and seeking legal advice only from authorized attorneys or accredited representatives
- Must report change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving
This information is based on Executive Order 14159 and sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), particularly sections 262 and 264, along with implementing regulations at 8 CFR part 264.