What Is the New Registration Requirement and Who Must Comply?
As of April 11, 2025, the Trump administration has implemented a longstanding but rarely used section of U.S. immigration law: registration of noncitizens. Under this policy, noncitizens age 14 and older who stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more must register with the government. Parents or guardians are responsible for registering children under 14.
To facilitate this, USCIS has introduced Form G-325R, a new online-only form available through the USCIS website. You must create an online account to access and submit it, which requires an email address. The form is available only in English, and there is no paper or alternate submission method.
While the law states that registration should occur within 30 days of entry. Not everyone will need to submit this form—see the next section for details.
How Do I Know If I’m Already Registered?
Many people may already be considered registered because of previous contact with immigration authorities or past applications. If you have any of the following documents or have taken any of these actions, you are likely already registered and do not need to file Form G-325R:
- Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD), even if expired
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, whether issued on paper or electronically (including for visas, parole, or certain statuses like asylum or U status)
- Notice to Appear (NTA) for immigration court
- Border Crossing Card or Landing Permit as a crew member
- Applications for permanent or temporary residence, such as:
If you are unsure whether a document you received counts as registration, consult with a trusted immigration attorney or legal service provider.
Should I Submit Form G-325R If I’m Not Already Registered?
Certain individuals must submit Form G-325R to comply with the law. That said, submission may involve risks. It is highly recommended that you speak with a qualified immigration attorney before submitting the form.
Here are some factors to consider:
- You may already be registered without realizing it, based on prior immigration activity.
- If you qualify for an immigration benefit (such as adjustment of status), applying for that benefit might count as registration.
- If you do not have lawful status, you may still have documentation that counts as registration. For example:
- An I-94
- A notice to appear in immigration court
What Are the Risks of Registering?
Form G-325R collects sensitive personal information, including your:
- Immigration status
- Physical and mailing address
- Family relationships
- Criminal history
Submitting this information could place you at risk if you do not have lawful status in the U.S., as the government has stated it may take enforcement action, including detention or deportation, against those without valid immigration status.
The form also asks about any past criminal activity, including:
- Unauthorized entry
- Drug-related offenses (including marijuana use)
- Other criminal charges
Providing this information could potentially lead to criminal charges, depending on your answers. It is very important to seek legal guidance before submitting.
What Happens If I Don’t Register?
Failing to register may carry consequences:
- If you apply for an immigration benefit in the future, DHS may view a failure to register as a negative factor in your case.
- The law allows for criminal penalties (a misdemeanor) if the failure to register is willful—that is, on purpose. This can result in a fine and/or up to six months in jail.
Again, it is critical to talk to an immigration attorney.
I Believe I’m Already Registered — What Should I Do?
If you believe you are already registered, you do not need to submit Form G-325R. However, you may still have other immigration obligations depending on your status or pending applications. It’s a good idea to check in with an attorney to determine your next steps.
Mandatory Alien‑Registration Enforcement (Form G‑325R): The 1940 Rule That Just Got Teeth
On April 11, 2025, a new interim final rule took effect, reviving the alien‑registration duty in INA § 262 and unveiling Form G‑325R as an online‑only filing tool. The move follows Executive Order 14159 (Jan 20, 2025), which instructs DHS to “faithfully execute” long‑ignored registration laws.
Who actually has to file?
If you are 14 or older, have stayed in the United States more than 30 days, and have never given fingerprints for a visa or other immigration benefit, you must register within 30 days. Typical examples include visa‑exempt Canadian commuters, humanitarian parolees, and teens who recently turned 14. Parents or guardians file for children under 14.
Most people in work‑visa categories (H‑1B, L‑1, O‑1, TN), students, and green‑card holders have already “registered” because fingerprints were captured during past applications. Evidence like an I‑94, visa foil, EAD card, or green card satisfies the law, so no extra G‑325R is needed. Diplomats, certain Canadian‑born American Indians, and Kickapoo Tribal members remain exempt.
How do you register?
Everything is online and free:
- Create a myUSCIS account (even minors need one).
- File Form G‑325R from the dashboard (no paper option).
- Attend a biometrics appointment if instructed.
- Once approved, USCIS drops an electronic Proof of Alien Registration into your account. Adults 18 + must keep this proof, digital or always printed on them.
Willful failure to register, or to carry proof, is now a misdemeanor: fines up to $5,000, up to six months in jail, and possible removal. DHS has warned of spot checks at airports, federal buildings, and work‑sites throughout the summer. False statements on the form create separate criminal exposure.
Bottom line
Alien‑registration has lived in the statute books since 1940. In 2025 it finally matters. Checking your own status, or auditing your workforce, takes minutes online and saves thousand‑dollar headaches later.
If you have questions about alien‑registration compliance or any immigration matter, we are here to provide expert assistance tailored to your specific needs.
