Immigration News Alert

STARTING TODAY, APRIL 11, 2025 –– REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR SOME FOREIGN NATIONALS

 

Starting today, some foreign nationals in the United States – who have not already been registered - will be required to register with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by completing an online registration form. This registration process will include the collection of biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and a background check. Failure to register can result in fines and/or criminal penalties. Detailed information can be found at USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration.

 

Who is required to register: The following foreign nationals are required to register in the United States:

  • Undocumented foreign nationals: Any foreign national who was not already inspected upon entry, meaning that they did not enter with a visa or receive an I-94 record, and who remain in the United States for more than 30 days.

  • Canadians who did not receive an I-94 and who remain for 30 days: Canadians who enter as business visitor or tourist at a land border port of entry, who were not issued an I-94 record, and who remain in the United States more than 30 days.

  • Children who enter with a visa and then turn age 14: Foreign national children who enter the United States with a visa and who were issued an I-94 are required to register within 30 days of turning age 14 if they will remain in the United States for 30 days. Note, if they depart within the 30 day period and reenter with an I-94 record, they will not be required to register.

  • Children under the age of 14 who entered the United States without a visa and who were not issued an I-94 record will be required to register but will not be required to be fingerprinted. This includes Canadian children who entered at a land border, and who did not receive an I-94 record, and who will be in the United States for 30 days or more.

  • Some DACA or TPS applicants: Foreign nationals who have applied for these benefits but who have not been issued an employment authorization document or other evidence of registration.

 

Who is not required to register: Foreign nationals who have already undergone inspection upon entry into the United States. Most foreign nationals in the United States – including those who entered with a visa, ESTA, parole, border crossing card, or admitted as a lawful permanent resident (green card) - have already registered. If they entered when they were under age 14, they will be required to register within 30 days of turning age 14.

 

What is the registration process: Foreign nationals who are required to register will need to complete registration as follows:

  1. Create a USCIS online account. See https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account

  2. Complete and submit a Form G-325R online. Only the foreign national or the guardian/parent of a child of a child turning age 14 can complete the registration.

  3. Once submitted, USCIS will indicate if you have already registered or need to register. If so, USCIS will schedule you for a biometric services appointment at one of its Application Support Centers.

  4. Once registered, USCIS will post a registration completion document to your USCIS.

What document to carry with you: Foreign nationals who have registered, if over age 18, are required to carry proof of registration.

 

Criminal Penalties: Any foreign national who is required to register and who does not, or any parent who does not register their child, will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The possible penalties include a fine up to $5,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months.

 

History of Registration: President Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strictly enforce the established registration requirements and ensure that foreign nationals are complying with them. While the laws regarding “alien registration requirement” are not new, registration has only been used twice before in history: (1) the implementation of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and (2) the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) after 9/11 that targeted foreign nationals from 24 predominantly Muslim-majority countries and North Korea for registration and tracking.

 

While attorneys are not able to register their clients, T&R is here to support and advise on registration requirements. Please contact T&R if you have questions.