On April 11, 2025, the U.S. government implemented a new online registration requirement for certain foreign nationals residing in the United States. This mandate, enforced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), requires non-citizens aged 14 and older who have not previously registered or been fingerprinted during visa or immigration processes to register online, submit biometric data, and undergo a background check.
Who Is Exempt
The following individuals are generally exempt from the new registration requirement:
- Lawful permanent residents: Green card holders.
- Visa holders: Foreign nationals who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival.
- Individuals with Form I-94 or I-94W: Even if the period of admission has expired.
- Paroled individuals: Non-U.S. citizens paroled into the United States, even if the period of parole has expired.
- Individuals in Immigration court: Individuals whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings;
- Individuals with Work permits: Individuals issued an employment authorization document (EAD);
- Green Card Applicants: Individuals who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700, even if the applications were denied; and
Who Must Register
The registration requirement applies to:
- Undocumented immigrants: Individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection and have remained for 30 days who are not in removal proceedings, have not filed for permanent residence, or have not received work authorization.
- Visa-exempt Canadian nationals: Canadians entering the U.S. for business or tourism at land ports of entry, who were not issued a Form I-94 and stay for 30 days or more.
- Non-citizens turning 14: Foreign nationals who turn 14 while in the U.S. and have not previously registered.
- Parents or legal guardians: Responsible for registering children under 14 who have not been registered and remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more.
Compliance and Penalties
Individuals required to register must do so within 30 days of entering the U.S. or turning 14. These individuals must create an online profile on USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account. They must electronically submit Form G-325R: https://www.uscis.gov/g-325r.After filing the form, these individuals will be scheduled for a fingerprint appointment and then receive an official registration confirmation in their online USCIS account. Failure to comply may result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, non-citizens over 18 are required to always carry proof of registration.
Legal Challenges and Concerns
Immigrant rights groups challenged the legality of the registration requirement, but a federal judge recently upheld the administration’s authority to enforce the registry, stating that plaintiffs lacked standing to sue: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/10/trump-register-noncitizen-immigrants.
If you came to the U.S. without a visa or parole and you do not fall into one of the exempt categories, you are required to register under the new rules. If you have questions about your legal requirements, please contact an experienced immigration lawyer.