DHS’s Alien Registration Requirement
On February 25, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the implementation of a new registration requirement, mandating that certain non-U.S. citizens register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The announcement indicated that further instructions and a form were forthcoming. The interim final regulation has not yet been published. Despite this, the registration form (G-325R) is available in applicants’ MyUSCIS accounts.
What is the New Alien Registration Requirement?
The law requires non-U.S. citizens (aliens) residing in the United States to register with DHS, providing personal information such as fingerprints and home addresses. The initiative aims to enhance national security and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Under the INA, with limited exceptions, all noncitizens aged 14 and older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Additionally, parents and guardians are responsible for registering children under 14. Once a child reaches their 14th birthday, they must apply for re-registration and fingerprinting within 30 days.
Who is required to register?
The registration requirement applies to:
- Individuals aged 14 and older: Non-U.S. citizens who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who plan to stay in the United States for 30 days or longer must register before the expiration of the 30 days.
- Children under 14: Parents or legal guardians must register their children who were not registered upon visa application and who will remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must register before the expiration of the 30 days.
- Previously registered children turning 14: They must re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days after their 14th birthday.
Who is Not Registered?
The USCIS announcement specifically notes that the following groups are not considered to be registered, but did not include them in the group that is required to register.
- Those who entered the U.S. without inspection
- Canadians who entered at a land port and were not issued evidence of registration
- Those who applied for immigration benefits not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a) (including those who applied for DACA and TPS)
Who is already considered to be registered?
Those who submitted one of the forms listed on 8 CFR 264.1(a), including Green Card holders, visa holders, parolees, employment authorization recipients, and individuals in removal proceedings, are already registered. 8 CFR 264.1(b) provides a list of documents designated as evidence of registration. This regulation was last updated in 1960 and therefore does not include other forms or documents that may otherwise be considered proof of registration. See list below.
How To Register:
- Step 1: Create a USCIS Online Account
- To register, you must first create a USCIS online account. See our How to Create a USCIS Online Account page for more information.
- Each alien submitting Form G-325R must have their own individual USCIS online account. This includes aliens under the age of 14. If you are the parent or legal guardian of an alien under the age of 14 who needs to register, you will need to set up an individual USCIS online account on your child’s behalf and in their name.
- Step 2: Submit Form G-325R
- Once you create your or your child’s (if you are the parent or legal guardian of an alien under 14 years of age) USCIS online account, fill out an electronic version of the Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration). Form G-325R must be filed online through a USCIS online account. It cannot be filed by mail or in person.
Is there a cost associated with registration?
The USCIS has not specified a fee for the alien registration process itself. However, according to INA 266, willful non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, including misdemeanor conviction, civil fines of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to 6 months, and potential immigration consequences.
Important Note
Registration does not provide a legal immigration status or work authorization.
All aliens 18 years of age and over in the United States required to register under INA 262, including but not limited to those who register using this new process, must carry and have in their personal possession evidence of their registration at all times.
Evidence of registration. The following forms constitute evidence of registration:
Form No. and Class
- I-94, Arrival-Departure Record—Aliens admitted as nonimmigrants; aliens paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act; aliens whose claimed entry prior to July 1, 1924, cannot be verified, they having satisfactorily established residence in the United States since prior to July 1, 1924; and aliens granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation proceedings.
- I-95, Crewmen’s Landing Permit—Crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft.
- I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card—Crewmen arriving by vessel.
- I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Canada or British subjects residing in Canada.
- I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Mexico residing in Mexico.
- I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing—Aliens against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted.
- I-221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest of Alien—Aliens against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted.
- I-551, Permanent Resident Card—Lawful permanent resident of the United States.
- I-766, Employment Authorization Document.
- Form I-862, Notice to Appear—Aliens against whom removal proceedings are being instituted.
- Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge—Aliens against whom removal proceedings are being instituted.
