The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released comprehensive final instructions for “alien registration,” implementing President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, signed on January 20, 2025. The directive, aimed at strengthening national security, mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforce “alien registration requirements” under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), treating noncompliance as a priority for both civil and criminal enforcement.
According to the USCIS website, all individuals aged 14 or older who were not registered and fingerprinted while applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the country for more than 30 days must apply for registration and fingerprinting.
Under the guidelines, parents and legal guardians must ensure that individuals under 14 years old are registered. Once an individual turns 14, they must re-register and provide their fingerprints within 30 days of their birthday. DHS will issue proof of registration, which individuals over 18 must carry at all times. Failure to comply with these registration requirements may result in criminal and civil penalties, including fines and potential incarceration.
USCIS clarifies that many noncitizens in the U.S. have already complied with registration requirements. Those who possess an employment authorization document, have been issued a Form I-94, or have applied for lawful permanent residence using forms such as I-485, I-687, or I-698 are considered registered. However, a significant number of individuals currently in the country have not had a direct way to register. To address this, USCIS has introduced Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), allowing unregistered individuals to comply with INA 262 through an online process.
USCIS distinguishes between those who are already registered and those who must register. Registered individuals include lawful permanent residents, parolees under INA 212(d)(5), nonimmigrants issued Form I-94, and individuals who have been placed in removal proceedings. Those who are not registered include individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection, Canadian visitors who entered at land ports of entry without documentation, and individuals who applied for benefits such as Temporary Protected Status but were not issued registration documents.
Individuals required to register must do so within 30 days of their arrival in the United States or, if they turn 14, within 30 days of their birthday. To complete registration, applicants must create a USCIS online account and submit Form G-325R electronically. Parents or legal guardians must register minors under 14 through their own USCIS accounts.
USCIS has emphasized that registration is not an immigration status and does not confer any legal benefits, including work authorization. The registration process is separate from any immigration benefit applications and solely fulfills a statutory requirement. Failure to comply with these registration mandates could lead to criminal prosecution, including fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, individuals aged 18 or older who fail to carry their registration documentation may face misdemeanor charges, fines, or imprisonment of up to 30 days.
The agency has also reminded all individuals that they must report any change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. Failure to update address information may result in penalties, including deportation, unless the individual can prove that noncompliance was unintentional or excusable. USCIS warns against immigration scams and advises individuals to seek assistance only from authorized attorneys or accredited representatives.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new form designed to streamline compliance with federal immigration laws. The interim final rule (IFR), published in the Federal Register on March 12, 2025, designates a new registration form, Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), for individuals required to register under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The rule also clarifies that certain groups, such as American Indians born in Canada who possess at least 50% American Indian blood, are exempt from registration requirements under 8 U.S.C. 1359. However, the notice specifies that “such entrants may do so if they wish.”
While there is currently no fee for filing Form G-325R or submitting biometrics, DHS is considering implementing a $30 biometric services fee to cover the costs of fingerprinting, background checks, and other related services. The agency is seeking public comments on this potential fee. DHS estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million individuals in the U.S. are currently unregistered and will be affected by this rule.
DHS is inviting public comments on the interim final rule, which must be submitted by April 11, 2025. Comments on the information collection requirements, including the burden of completing Form G-325R, must be submitted by May 12, 2025. This interim final rule will be effective on April 11, 2025.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
