The U.S. government recently has refocused their attention on alien registration. Effective April 11, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require all non-citizens to comply with updated Alien Registration obligations under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), applicable regulations at 8 CFR Part 264, and Executive Order 14159.
Recently On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion. This directive instructs the Department of Homeland Security to fully implement and enforce the existing alien registration requirements as outlined in Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This new executive order makes alien registration a civil and criminal enforcement top priority. Under this law, any foreign national who remains in the United States for more than 30 days and has not yet been registered or fingerprinted is required to complete the registration process, including providing biometric information if necessary. To make this process easier the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has created a new online form, G-325R. By submitting this form you are voluntarily providing the Department of Homeland Security with your name, date of birth, address, and, if applicable, your fingerprints. This is intended for individuals who have not previously registered through visa processing, border entry, or any prior USCIS application.
Who is Already Registered ?
A noncitizen is already registered and does not need to submit Form G-325R if they:
- Submitted one of the registration forms listed in, 8 CFR 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints (unless fingerprinting was waived); and
- Were issued one of the documents listed as evidence of registration in, 8 CFR 264.1(b)
- a) Forms that are considered Application for Registration Forms – 8 CFR 264.1(a):
- Form I-67: Inspection Record for Hungarian refugees
- Form I-94: Arrival-Departure Record
- Form I-95: Crewman’s Landing Permit
- Form I-181: Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence
- Form I-485: Application for Permanent Resident Status
- Form I-590: Registration for Classification as Refugee
- Form I-687: Application for Status as Temporary Resident
- Form I-691: Notice of Approval for Status as Temporary Resident
- Form I-698: Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident
- Form I-700: Application for Status as Temporary Resident
- Form I-817: Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family Unity Program
- Form G-325R: Biographic Information (Registration)
- b) Documents that are considered Proof of Registration – 8 CFR 264.1(b):
- Form I-94: Arrival-Departure Record
- Form I-95: Crewman’s Landing Permit
- Form I-184: Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card
- Form I-185: Nonresident Canadian Border Crossing Card
- Form I-186: Nonresident Mexican Border Crossing Card
- Form I-221 or I-221S: Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing
- Form I-551: Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Form I-766: Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Form I-862: Notice to Appear
- Form I-863: Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge
- Newly designated form USCIS Proof of Alien G-325R Registration
- Valid, unexpired DHS admission or parole stamp in a foreign passport
Who is Required to Register for G-325R?
You are required to register if any of the following circumstances apply:
- You entered the United States without inspection or parole (for example, by crossing the border without authorization).
- You are a Canadian visitor who entered the U.S. and did not receive a Form I-94 or any official registration documentation.
- You applied for immigration benefits such as Deferred Action or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), but were never issued formal proof of registration.
Noncitizens must register if:
- They are 14 years of age or older and were not
- Registered and fingerprinted upon visa issuance or admission
- And remain in the United States for 30 days or longer
- Parents or legal guardians of a noncitizen under 14 years of age who has not registered must ensure that such noncitizen is registered within 30 days of turning 14 years while present in the United States
- Certain noncitizens, such as diplomats and nonimmigrants from countries with fingerprinting reciprocity, may be exempt from biometrics.
Special Rules for Children
- Lawful permanent residents who return to the United States after reaching the age of 14 are required to register and submit a new photograph.
- Non-permanent residents will have their existing registration records updated accordingly.
Exemptions
- American Indians born in Canada with at least 50% American Indian blood (8 U.S.C. 1359)
- Members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
Criminal Penalties
If you are required to register and fail to do so criminal penalties may be imposed under 8 U.S.C. §§ 1304(e), 1305(a), 1306(a), and 1306(b)
- Failure to register or provide biometrics will be punished by fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months
- Failure to carry proof of registration will be punished by fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days
- Failure to update address within 10 days will be punished by fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days; may result in deportation.
- If the government determines that your failure to register is intentional. You may be charged with a misdemeanor offense. This could result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment.
- Submission of false registration information will be punished by criminal penalties and possible deportation
Registration Steps
- Create a USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov
- Submit Form G-325R electronically through the account and wait for review
- Attend biometrics appointment if scheduled by USCIS
- Obtain proof of registration from the USCIS online account (make sure to download and print it)
- Carry proof of registration at all times if 18 years or older
Things to Consider
If you are stopped by an immigration or other law enforcement officer:
In a public setting a immigration officer must have a valid reason to believe that you are a noncitizen.They cannot rely solely on factors such as your appearance, occupation, or location. You have the right to remain silent. If the encounter occurs at your home, you are not required to open the door unless the officer presents a valid warrant signed by a judge.
You cannot be compelled to provide information that may be used against you in a criminal proceeding :
If completing Form G-325R would require you to disclose unlawful entry, immigration violations, or criminal activity, you have the right under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution to decline to answer those specific questions. USCIS currently requires all questions on Form G-325R to be answered and does not permit applicants to skip potentially self-incriminating questions, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney before submitting the form if you believe any of your responses could expose you to criminal liability.
Conclusion
Whether you need help submitting a G-325R form, or navigating the complexities of this new system, feel free to reach out to Shankar Ninan.
