U.S. Revives Alien Registration Requirement, Impacting Millions Nationwide

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Key Takeaways

On February 26, 2025, DHS enforced the Alien Registration Act, requiring non-citizens, especially undocumented immigrants, to register via USCIS online.
Non-citizens 14+ in the U.S. for 30+ days must register, including biometrics, with exemptions for specific groups.
Noncompliance results in criminal penalties; proof of registration is mandatory for registrants aged 18 or older.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” This directive revived and enforced the Alien Registration Requirement, a long-standing mandate under U.S. immigration law. The order marks a major step in addressing the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants within the United States 🇺🇸. The directive mandates non-citizens in specific categories to register with the federal government, placing focus on compliance, identification, and the broader legal obligations of undocumented individuals.

Implementation of the Alien Registration Requirement

U.S. Revives Alien Registration Requirement, Impacting Millions Nationwide

To carry out this executive order, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has moved swiftly, making compliance the focal point. On February 26, 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the complete enforcement of the Alien Registration Act of 1940, a law that requires non-citizens, particularly undocumented immigrants, to register with federal authorities. As part of the newly established measures, an online system has been rolled out. This system, hosted on USCIS.gov/alienregistration, allows for mandatory registration, which includes fingerprinting and other processing requirements.

Those who comply with the process will not face criminal penalties or fines. Registrants are also eligible for assistance in returning to their home countries, though the registration itself does not provide any temporary or permanent immigration status in the U.S. 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this initiative is a keystone of the administration’s prioritized approach to immigration enforcement.

Who Must Register

The registration requirement substantially affects non-citizens aged 14 or older who have been in the U.S. for over 30 days and were not fingerprinted or registered when they applied for their U.S. visa. Key groups required to register include:

Non-citizens who previously failed to register
Individuals under the age of 14 whose parents or guardians need to fulfill registration on their behalf
Children newly turning 14, who must re-register within 30 days of their birthday

To meet the obligations, non-citizens are required to create a USCIS online account, a user-friendly portal through which registration submissions are completed. While thorough at the point of registration, the process does not permit registrants to work legally in the U.S. or gain any type of U.S. permanent or temporary residency.

Who Is Exempt

Not all non-citizens fall under this new directive. Specific groups are exempt, including:

American Indians born in Canada who entered under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 289
Members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians covered by the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act

Additionally, individuals who have previously fulfilled their obligations through existing immigration processes are also excluded from these requirements. These include:

Lawful permanent residents
Those paroled into the U.S. under INA Section 212(d)(5)
Visa holders, including those who possess immigrant or nonimmigrant visas granted prior to their arrival
Border Crossing Card holders
Individuals in formal removal proceedings
Holders of employment authorization documents
People applying for lawful permanent residence, regardless of whether their application has been denied

These exemptions ensure that those already engaged with U.S. immigration systems are not burdened by redundant requirements.

How the Registration Process Works

Starting February 25, 2025, non-citizens subjected to this legal obligation must begin by creating a USCIS online account. These accounts are essential for ensuring compliance and allow for the submission of all registration materials. DHS is expected to announce an official form shortly to formalize this process. The announcement is critical, as it will enable registrants to complete their legal duties without delay.

Parents and guardians are required to handle applications for children under 14, either registering them for the first time or re-registering them when they reach their 14th birthday. Fingerprinting and other biometrics are expected to be part of the registration steps, ensuring that all registrants are verified under U.S. government systems.

Non-citizens who fail to adhere to the requirements face serious consequences. They must carry registration proof at all times if they are 18 years or older. Noncompliance is subject to civil and criminal penalties, including misdemeanor charges and fines. This underscores the importance of prompt action to fulfill registration duties.

The Role of USCIS Online Account in the Process

A USCIS online account simplifies the registration process and makes compliance more manageable for non-citizens. The account not only allows users to submit registration materials but will likely serve as a central hub for accessing updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as DHS refines the implementation of this mandate. For non-citizens unfamiliar with the process, establishing a USCIS online account is a vital first step toward meeting the Alien Registration Requirement.

Practical and Legal Implications

The enforcement of the Alien Registration Requirement introduces sweeping changes to the legal obligations of non-citizens in the United States 🇺🇸. While many have applauded the order as an overdue measure to restore accountability within the nation’s immigration system, it has also generated discussions about its far-reaching practical implications.

For non-citizens impacted by this policy, compliance is non-negotiable. Those required to register stand to avoid legal penalties and fines, while those who shirk these obligations risk misdemeanor charges. Moreover, while the policy primarily focuses on undocumented immigrants, even subsets of legal non-citizens must evaluate whether the mandate applies to them. Legal experts agree that individuals uncertain about their standing should seek qualified legal advice.

Recent Progress and Future Changes

To ensure accessibility, the DHS created a new dedicated “registration portal” on its website on February 24, 2025. This page provides step-by-step instructions, deadlines, and updates regarding how and when to complete the self-registration process. Furthermore, USCIS will soon release a new form alongside the updated registration system. Both measures aim to close gaps in existing enforcement while creating a streamlined registration approach.

Observers point out that this focus on compliance addresses long-standing deficiencies in INA Section 262. As policies are adjusted to fully implement the Alien Registration Act of 1940, more clarity is anticipated regarding long-term enforcement mechanisms and updated technological integration.

Compliance Responsibilities for Different Groups

For affected individuals, meeting the new legal obligations requires:

Creating a USCIS online account: This step is mandatory for all registrants.
Monitoring DHS announcements: Non-citizens must regularly check government updates on the dedicated DHS registry page.
Submitting the registration materials once available: After receiving the specified form and providing necessary fingerprints, applicants must ensure proper submission through the online system.
Maintaining proof of registration: Adults 18 or older must keep proof of compliance at all times.

Meanwhile, parents of non-citizen children have additional responsibilities. They must ensure their dependents are registered by the appropriate deadline and re-register them promptly when the children turn 14. These obligations demand vigilance to avoid penalties and maintain compliance.

Conclusion

This policy change represents a significant turning point in U.S. immigration enforcement and accountability measures. By mandating strict compliance with the Alien Registration Requirement, the federal government is reinforcing a system of identification and responsibility for non-citizens. However, non-citizens need to remain diligent, ensuring they fulfill their obligations through the newly implemented processes and USCIS online accounts.

For those affected, staying informed is the highest priority to avoid legal repercussions and ensure clarity on their immigration status. By visiting official resources such as USCIS.gov, non-citizens can find accurate information to navigate the registration requirement effectively. It is strongly recommended that anyone uncertain about their obligations consult with legal professionals to fully understand their responsibilities under these new mandates.

Learn Today

Executive Order → A legally binding directive issued by a President to manage operations of the federal government.
Alien Registration Requirement → A legal mandate requiring certain non-citizens to register with the federal government for identification purposes.
Undocumented Immigrants → Non-citizens residing in a country without legal authorization or valid documentation.
Biometrics → Physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, used for identification and verification purposes in legal processes.
USCIS Online Account → A digital platform by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for non-citizens to manage immigration-related services and compliance.

This Article in a Nutshell

Alien Registration Revived: What You Need to Know

Effective February 2025, the U.S. reactivates mandatory Alien Registration for certain non-citizens, emphasizing compliance and identification. Registrants must create a USCIS online account, submit biometrics, and maintain proof of registration. Noncompliance risks penalties. While fostering accountability, the directive has sparked legal debates. Stay informed via USCIS.gov. Legal advice recommended!