USCIS Shares Final Rules on Who Must File Alien Registration

Key Takeaways

• The “Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration” rule takes effect April 11, 2025, requiring compliance from specified foreign nationals.
• Registration mandates include submitting USCIS Form G-325R, undergoing biometrics for those 14+, and receiving compliance proof via USCIS accounts.
• Non-compliance penalties include fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, and mandatory registration proof for those 18+.

On March 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced critical updates through the “Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration” Interim Final Rule (IFR). These guidelines, published in the Federal Register, will officially come into effect on April 11, 2025. The rule introduces new requirements for specific foreign nationals currently in the United States. This marks a revival of provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that were originally introduced in 1952 but have remained largely dormant until now. The decision represents a major shift in U.S. immigration policy and brings both obligations and consequences for affected individuals.

Groups Required to Register

The new rule targets several categories of foreign nationals. The following groups are specifically required to register under these guidelines:

1. Residents Aged 14 or Older Without Prior Registration: Foreign nationals aged 14 and above, who were not registered and fingerprinted during the visa application process and have stayed in the U.S. for 30 days or more, are required to register.
2. Parents or Guardians of Children Under 14: For foreign nationals under 14 years of age who remain in the U.S. for over 30 days and were not previously registered, parents or legal guardians must handle the registration process.
3. Individuals Turning 14 Within the U.S.: Foreign nationals who reach their 14th birthday while in the United States must register within 30 days.
4. Certain Canadian Visitors: Canadian citizens who enter through land ports, where they are not issued registration proof such as Form I-94, and stay for over 30 days must also register.
5. Recipients of Certain Immigration Benefits: This includes individuals applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or similar immigration benefits who lack documentation establishing prior inspection, admission, or evidence of registration like an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

This delineation serves to clarify who must comply under the new rule, addressing gaps in existing immigration protocols.

Registration Process

The registration procedure is streamlined and involves several steps:

1. Create an Online USCIS Account: Individuals must first establish an online account on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) platform.
2. Submit USCIS Form G-325R: This form, referred to as Biographic Information (Registration), must be filed directly through the online account.
3. Biometrics Collection: Applicants aged 14 or older must attend a biometrics appointment. This step includes fingerprinting, taking photos, and signing documents.
4. Background Checks: All registrants will undergo comprehensive background screening, including checks on their criminal history.
5. Receive Proof of Registration: Successfully registered individuals will receive a document via their online USCIS account, serving as evidence of compliance.

For individuals under the age of 14, parents or guardians can initiate the registration by creating their own USCIS account and submitting the required form on behalf of the child. Notably, children under this threshold age are not subjected to fingerprinting.

Groups Exempted from Registration

Certain foreign nationals are already regarded as registered under existing immigration frameworks and are hence exempt from these new requirements. These exemptions include the following:

1. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): Immigrants who hold lawful permanent resident status.
2. Individuals Paroled Under INA Section 212(d)(5): This applies even if the parole period has expired.
3. Visa and I-94 Holders: Those issued nonimmigrant or immigrant visas prior to arrival or valid registration evidence like Form I-94/I-94W.
4. Foreign Nationals in Removal Proceedings: Individuals already placed in removal by DHS.
5. Recipients of Employment Authorization or Permanent Residence Applications: Those holding an EAD or who have filed relevant lawful permanent residence forms such as Forms I-485, I-687, or I-698.
6. Individuals With Unique Legal Protections: This includes American Indians born in Canada entering under INA section 289 and Texas Band of Kickapoo members falling under specific legislation.
7. Special Visa Holders (A and G categories): Diplomats and international organization representatives under specific visa types.

These exemptions demonstrate that many individuals either already comply with existing registration requirements or fall under categories afforded special consideration.

Legal Obligations: Carrying Proof of Registration

The rule stipulates that all registered individuals aged 18 and above must carry their proof of registration at all times. Forms of evidence include lawful permanent resident cards, properly issued Form I-94 records, or the newest document issued as “Proof of Alien Registration.” Failure to do so is treated as a violation, underscoring the seriousness of this requirement.

Consequences for Failing to Comply

Non-compliance with these new obligations carries serious penalties, emphasizing the gravity of adherence:

1. Fines and Imprisonment: Individuals failing to meet registration or fingerprinting standards face penalties of up to $5,000 in fines, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
2. Failure to Carry Proof: Those failing to carry their registration proof face penalties of up to $5,000, imprisonment for 30 days, or both.
3. Address Change Notifications: Moving without notifying DHS within 10 days attracts similar fines and imprisonment penalties as the above infractions.

These measures illustrate how the government plans to strictly enforce the new rules, stressing both compliance and accountability.

Recent Updates and Clarity

As of March 13, 2025, DHS and USCIS have provided additional context:

1. DACA and TPS Beneficiaries With EADs: Holders of an issued Employment Authorization Document are confirmed to fulfill the registration requirement automatically.
2. No Status Guaranteed Through Registration: Registration does not confer legal immigration status or immunity from deportation.
3. Use of Information for Enforcement: DHS retains the right to use registration data for immigration enforcement without restriction.
4. Federal Criminal Prosecution Prioritization: Federal prosecutors are instructed to focus on pursuing criminal cases tied to these compliance violations.
5. Proposed Fees: USCIS is currently gathering input on a proposal to charge $30 for biometric services linked to registration.

These developments illustrate the government’s intent to prioritize enforcement while seeking practical solutions for administrative costs.

Practical Implications for Various Stakeholders

This policy shift has various consequences for key immigration stakeholders:

1. Employers: Employers should assist foreign national employees by ensuring they are informed of new requirements and avoid legal or workforce disruptions.
2. Educational Institutions: Universities hosting international students should understand and support students subject to registration, particularly those turning 14.
3. Healthcare Providers: Professionals in this sector benefit from the indefinite validity of medical examination forms completed on or after November 1, 2023, enhancing ease during adjustment of status applications.
4. Legal Advisors: Immigration attorneys need to educate clients about their obligations, advise them on keeping evidence ready, and ensure compliance within the set time limits.

Final Thoughts and Advice

The introduction of the “Alien Registration” requirements signals a monumental change to U.S. immigration policy. Although many foreign nationals already meet these standards, others face an obligation to register under these specific conditions. As the rules take effect on April 11, 2025, it becomes vital for affected individuals to meet their obligations promptly. Further guidance is expected from USCIS, and updates will likely occur as the administration begins the implementation phase.

Employers, educational institutions, legal advisors, and healthcare providers must all remain proactive during this transitional period, emphasizing compliance to minimize any disruptions or penalties. For further details on these rules, you may visit the official USCIS website at USCIS Official Site. As always, this article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. We recommend consulting an experienced attorney to address your specific concerns.

Learn Today

Alien Registration Form → A document used by foreign nationals to provide biographic information as part of U.S. immigration registration requirements.
Biometric Services → Processes involving fingerprinting, photography, and digital signatures used to verify an individual’s identity during immigration procedures.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) → A program that offers temporary protection from deportation for eligible individuals brought to the U.S. as children.
Form I-94 → A U.S. immigration document that records nonimmigrant arrivals and departures and serves as evidence of lawful admission.
Interim Final Rule (IFR) → A regulatory action that is immediately effective but allows for public comment before being finalized permanently.

This Article in a Nutshell

On April 11, 2025, updated U.S. alien registration rules revive dormant 1952 provisions, impacting specific foreign nationals. Key requirements include biographic submissions, biometrics, and proof of registration. Non-compliance risks fines or imprisonment. While modernized for simplicity, enforcement remains strict. Employers, schools, and individuals must act swiftly to ensure compliance amidst this major immigration policy shift.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• U.S. Plans to Enforce Visitor Registration Law, Informs Canada
• DHS Launches New Registration Rule, Penalties for Noncompliance
• Preventing Glitches: How to Make Electronic Registration Systems Reliable
• Who Must Have an Alien Registration Number? Here’s What to Know
• U.S. Revives Alien Registration Requirement, Impacting Millions Nationwide