Who Must Have an Alien Registration Number? Here’s What to Know

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Key Takeaways

Starting February 2025, foreign nationals not yet registered for an Alien Registration Number must comply to avoid legal penalties.
Registration is required within 30 days for minors turning 14 and for adults staying in the U.S. over 30 days.
DHS encourages creating a USCIS Online Account ahead of the modernized registration system launching after February 25, 2025.

The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of alien registration requirements under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This requirement aims to ensure that specific categories of foreign nationals in the U.S. comply with longstanding legal obligations related to their residency and visa statuses. Below, we outline individuals who are already registered based on their immigration status and those who still need to register under the current directives.

Individuals Already Registered for an Alien Registration Number

Who Must Have an Alien Registration Number? Here’s What to Know

Under existing U.S. immigration policies, many foreign nationals living in the United States are deemed already registered for an Alien Registration Number (A-Number). These individuals meet the requirement due to specific documentation or processes they underwent as part of their immigration journeys. They face no additional immediate obligations except maintaining compliance with other requirements, such as address updates. Categories of these registered individuals include:

Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): These individuals are automatically issued an Alien Registration Number when they obtain lawful permanent residency.
Paroled Individuals Under INA Section 212(d)(5): Even if their parole period has expired, these individuals are considered registered.
Nonimmigrant Visa Holders with Form I-94 or I-94W: This documentation—whether issued as a paper form or electronically—ensures these individuals are registered, even if their authorized stay period has expired.
Immigrant or Nonimmigrant Visa Holders Pre-Entry: Any foreign national issued a visa before entering the U.S. is already registered.
Individuals in Removal Proceedings Initiated by DHS: Being part of these proceedings automatically includes the issuance of an A-Number.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Holders: Non-citizens with an EAD are registered as part of obtaining this work authorization.
Applicants Filing for Permanent Residence Using Designated Forms: Those who filed Form I-485 and similar applications—even if their applications were denied—are considered registered.
Holders of Border Crossing Cards: These individuals are registered as part of their cross-border privileges.
DACA Recipients and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders: Both groups are registered due to their participation in these immigration benefit programs.
Lawfully Present Individuals Complying with Entry Requirements: Individuals who came into the U.S. and adhered to immigration documentation processes after their entry are deemed registered.

For U.S.-born citizens, alien registration is not applicable, and most short-term visitors in nonimmigrant categories also do not have an Alien Registration Number.

Individuals Required to Register for an Alien Registration Number

As of February 2025, certain types of foreign nationals residing in the United States are obligated to register if they have not already done so. Failing to comply with these requirements could lead to legal penalties. The groups needing to register include:

Foreign Nationals Entering Without Inspection: Individuals who entered without admission records or proper biometric documentation must register within specific timelines.
Minors Turning 14: Those who were originally registered as children under the age of 14 need to re-register upon their fourteenth birthday.
Noncompliant Overstays: Foreign nationals who overstayed their permitted entry period without registering must complete the process.
Canadian Nationals Entering via Land Ports without Inspection: These individuals are required to register since they lack official evidence of alien registration.
Uninspected Canadian Visitors Crossing U.S. Land Borders: They are also included under the registration obligations.
DACA, TPS, or Other Program Applicants without EADs: Immigrants participating in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who have not obtained an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) are subject to registration.

Persons in the above groups need to ensure compliance within a specific time frame to avoid administrative or legal consequences.

Key Deadlines for Alien Registration

Under the updated policy directives, aliens are required to address registration within strict deadlines:

Adult Foreign Nationals Staying Over 30 Days: Individuals aged 14 or older who remain in the United States for over 30 days must register before the 30-day period ends.
Registration of Minors: Parents or guardians of minors under 14 must complete registration on their behalf before a 30-day deadline is reached.
Re-registration Upon Turning 14: Any alien who turns 14 while in the U.S. must file for registration within 30 days of their birthday.

These requirements emphasize the importance of time-sensitive compliance for impacted foreign nationals.

Compliance and Proof of Alien Registration

Every foreign national over 18 years old must carry proof of their Alien Registration Number and maintain this documentation at all times. Compliance also includes keeping registration records updated, specifically when it comes to notifying authorities of address changes. Form AR-11 is mandatory for reporting a change of address, and registered aliens must file it within 10 days of relocating.

Individuals who are newly registered or who fall into already registered categories were reminded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the ongoing responsibility to ensure record accuracy. The DHS has also confirmed that failing to comply with these rules could lead to criminal charges. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, and individuals may face fines or additional penalties.

New Registration System Announcement

The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to modernize the registration process through an updated online system, expected to launch after February 25, 2025. To facilitate ease of compliance, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a division of DHS, has strongly encouraged affected foreign nationals to create a USCIS Online Account. While the official forms and digital processes tied to the new system are still pending release, preparation by creating an online account will ensure readiness once the program becomes active.

Broader Impacts and Legal Challenges

This renewed enforcement of alien registration stems predominantly from immigration policies outlined in President Trump’s January 20, 2025, executive order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” This directive mandates heightened enforcement and amends earlier regulatory gaps to address what is described as insufficient registration among foreign nationals. The initiative is also aligned with enforcing fingerprint and registration laws specified in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Experts have noted that this intensified focus could result in higher numbers of detentions. It increases the likelihood of some individuals being placed in removal proceedings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Advocacy groups and legal analysts anticipate challenges to the manner and scope of this enforcement in federal courts. Questions regarding fairness, implementation, and the constitutionality of certain provisions are expected to play a major role in subsequent developments.

Penalties for Failing to Register

Failure to meet registration requirements carries steep consequences. These include possible misdemeanor charges and financial penalties. The government has emphasized it will not tolerate non-compliance, quoting explicitly that “No alien will have an excuse for failure to comply with this law.” Affected individuals are encouraged to remain proactive to avoid such outcomes.

Next Steps for Affected Parties

For foreign nationals looking to determine whether they are registered or if further steps are required, consultation with an immigration attorney can provide clarity. Legal professionals can also assist individuals in interpreting the nuances of these registration requirements and preparing for any upcoming legal developments.

Additionally, those falling under registration categories should complete related tasks without undue delay. As USCIS readies its online registration system, having a USCIS Online Account will facilitate future compliance actions as required.

Foreign nationals obligated to register should visit the USCIS official website for detailed guidance and updates from the Department of Homeland Security on application forms, timelines, and associated procedures.

Conclusion

The requirement to have an Alien Registration Number may seem technical, but it remains a critical feature of U.S. immigration law under the Immigration and Nationality Act. While many individuals in the United States are already deemed registered, others must take action based on their entry status or age. With the Department of Homeland Security set to implement technology-driven registration enhancements, compliance processes are evolving, but the legal obligations for individuals remain as clear as ever.

For continued updates and professional-grade analysis, VisaVerge.com highlights the importance of staying informed. With ongoing regulatory changes and potential court challenges ahead, all affected individuals must track policy shifts closely and respond proactively. Always seek the assistance of qualified immigration professionals for further support in navigating these legal requirements.

Learn Today

Alien Registration Number (A-Number) → A unique identifier assigned to foreign nationals in the U.S. for tracking immigration or residency status.
Lawful Permanent Resident → A non-citizen authorized to live and work in the U.S. permanently, often referred to as a “green card holder.”
Nonimmigrant Visa Holder → A foreign national permitted to enter the U.S. temporarily for specific purposes like tourism, study, or business.
Removal Proceedings → Legal processes initiated by the government to determine whether a foreign national should be deported from the U.S.
Form AR-11 → A mandatory form for foreign nationals to report address changes to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This Article in a Nutshell

Alien registration is vital under U.S. law, ensuring compliance for specific foreign nationals. While many are already registered, others must act by 2025. Noncompliance risks fines or legal action. The upcoming USCIS online system simplifies this process. Stay informed, act promptly, and consult experts to avoid penalties and ensure legal residency.
— By VisaVerge.com