ARTICLE UPDATE 4/11/25: As of today, April 11, 2025, the Alien Registration Requirement is in effect. All noncitizens aged 14 or older who are in the United States for 30 days or longer must register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Noncitizens subject to the registration requirement who are 18 years or older must carry proof of registration at all times. Additionally, each noncitizen required to register must also notify DHS of each change of address and provide their new address within ten days of such change. Failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Most foreign nationals present in the United States – including those who entered on a U.S. visa or were issued a green card, an I-94 admission record, an employment authorization document (EAD), or a border crossing card – are considered already registered and generally will not need to take further action under the new process. However, it is crucial that these foreign nationals carry immigration documentation with them at all times and report any change of address within the required 10-day timeframe. Review the requirements and ensure you are in compliance by consulting with the Immigration Attorneys at Ryan Swanson.
Beginning April 11, 2025, all noncitizens aged 14 or older who are in the United States for 30 days or longer must register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Noncitizens subject to the registration requirement who are 18 years or older must carry proof of registration at all times. Failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Most noncitizens in the U.S. are already registered and do not need to take any immediate action, other than ensuring that they have proof of their registration.
Although the Alien Registration Requirement is scheduled to be in effect on April 11, 2025, there is a possibility that the requirement may be delayed or not implemented at all, due to litigation challenging this new requirement.
Who is already registered?
- U.S. lawful permanent residents (U.S. green card holders);
- Individuals who were admitted into the U.S. and issued a Form I-94 (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired;
- Parolees, even if the period of parole has expired;
- Employment Authorization Document recipients;
- Border Crossing Card recipients; and
- Individuals in removal proceedings.
Most noncitizen students (including those in F-1 and M-1 status), nonimmigrants with U.S. work authorization (including those who have H-1B, H-1B1, J-1, O-1, TN, L-1, and E status), and their dependents are already registered, as they were likely issued a Form I-94.
Registered parents will be responsible for ensuring that their children are registered. Please note that previously registered children who turn 14 must be re-registered within 30 days after their 14th birthday.
Who needs to register?
Noncitizens who do not possess any of the evidence listed here will need to register through their myUSCIS account at https://my.uscis.gov/ and complete the Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration). Once an individual completes the Form G-325R process, they will be issued proof of registration. More information about the Form G-325R can be found on the USCIS website.
In addition, children who turn 14, even if they previously registered, must re-register with DHS within 30 days after their 14th birthday.
What serves as proof of registration?
Noncitizens must carry any of the documents listed here or proof of registration from Form G-325R process at all times to avoid criminal penalties. Most nonimmigrants, especially those who have been sponsored for U.S. work authorization, already possess a Form I-94 (paper or electronic). We strongly recommend that individuals who have been issued an electronic Form I-94 retrieve and print a copy of their Form I-94 and carry it with them at all times as proof of their registration. https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home.
The immigration attorneys at Ryan Swanson can assist you with navigating this new requirement. Click here to schedule a consultation.
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