On February 25, 2025, 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 stated that additional instructions and a formal registration form would be provided. The final interim rule has not yet been published but is expected to be released early this week. Despite this, the registration form (G-325R) is already available in applicants’ MyUSCIS accounts.

The registration requirement is a step toward implementing the January 20, 2025 executive order, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, signed by President Trump. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce alien registration requirements under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. § 1302). It also prioritizes the civil and criminal enforcement of laws against individuals who fail to comply with these legal obligations.

USCIS has created a webpage with information about the registration requirement, but it contains contradictory and incomplete details. For example, while some categories of already registered individuals are listed, others are missing—such as those preparing to apply for asylum who have already been fingerprinted. It is important to carefully review the Final Interim Rule once it is published, as the regulation—not the website announcement—will govern the registration requirement and process.

What Is the New Alien Registration Requirement?

The law requires non-U.S. citizens (aliens) residing in the United States to register with DHS and provide personal information, such as fingerprints and residential addresses. The initiative aims to enhance national security and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Under the INA, with limited exceptions, all non-citizens aged 14 or older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who stay in the United States for 30 days or more must register and provide fingerprints. Additionally, parents or guardians are responsible for registering children under 14. Once a child turns 14, they must re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days.

How to Register:

According to DHS, the requirement to create a USCIS account went into effect on February 25, 2025, but DHS did not provide a timeline for when the registration form would become active. AILA has learned that the G-325R, which will serve as the registration form, has been available in applicants’ MyUSCIS accounts since February 26, 2025.

Who Is Already Considered Registered?

Those who have submitted one of the forms listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a)—including green card holders, visa holders, parolees, employment authorization beneficiaries, and individuals in removal proceedings—are already considered registered. Section 8 CFR 264.1(b) provides a list of documents designated as proof of registration. This regulation was last updated in 1960 and therefore does not include other forms or documents that might otherwise be considered proof of registration.

Who Must Register?

The registration requirement applies to:

  • Individuals Aged 14 or 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 more must register within 30 days of their arrival.
  • Children Under 14: Parents or legal guardians must register children who were not registered when applying for a visa and who will stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more, ensuring registration occurs within 30 days of arrival.
  • Previously Registered Children Turning 14: They must re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

Who Is Not Registered?

The USCIS announcement specifically notes that the following groups are not considered registered, but it did not include them in the group required to register.

  • Individuals Who Entered the U.S. Without Inspection
  • Canadians Entering at a Land Port Who Were Not Issued Registration Documentation
  • Those Who Applied for Immigration Benefits Not Listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a) (Including DACA and TPS Applicants)

Is There a Fee for Registration?

USCIS has not specified a fee for the alien registration process itself. However, under INA §266, intentional noncompliance can result in significant penalties, including misdemeanor convictions, civil fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and potential immigration consequences.