The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reported nearly 47,000 submissions for alien registration as of April 29, 2025, since the program’s launch in March, according to a statement in the ‘First 100 Days’ report of the Trump administration. This follows the implementation of the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR), mandated by President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, signed on January 20, 2025.
USCIS stated, “USCIS implemented the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR), which strengthens national security, promotes accountability, and upholds the rule of law. ARR allows USCIS and other agencies to track the presence of immigrants in the U.S., review their criminal records, if any, and maintain awareness of their activities. USCIS recently developed an ARR Determination Tool that guides immigrants through specific questions to help determine whether they must submit Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration). With almost 47,000 submissions as of April 29, USCIS is extensively promoting public awareness of this requirement and the penalties for non-compliance.”
The order directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce registration under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. § 1302), prioritizing both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. DHS estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million unregistered noncitizens in the U.S. are subject to this requirement, with approximately 1.4 million expected to register annually over the next three years, according to the interim final rule published in the Federal Register.
The ARR mandates that all noncitizens aged 14 or older, who were not previously registered or fingerprinted during visa processing and remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer, must register with USCIS and submit biometric information. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for registering children under 14, and individuals must re-register, including fingerprinting, within 30 days of turning 14, according to USCIS.
USCIS warns that noncitizens aged 18 or older must carry proof of registration at all times; failure to do so constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $5,000 fine. Non-compliance with registration requirements may result in criminal prosecution, including fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, noncitizens must report address changes to USCIS within 10 days of moving; failure to comply may potentially lead to deportation unless proven unintentional or excusable.
To facilitate compliance, USCIS introduced Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), as part of an interim final rule (IFR) published in the Federal Register on March 12, 2025, effective April 11, 2025. This form, submitted electronically through a USCIS online account, collects detailed biographical data, including address history, immigration status, and family information, enabling USCIS to verify identities, conduct background checks, and issue proof of registration.
USCIS has also launched the ARR Determination Tool, an online resource guiding noncitizens through questions to determine if they must file Form G-325R. The agency emphasizes that registration does not confer immigration status, work authorization, or protection from deportation—it solely fulfills a statutory obligation under INA Section 262.
USCIS clarifies that many noncitizens are already considered registered, including lawful permanent residents, parolees under INA § 212(d)(5), nonimmigrants issued Form I-94, and those in removal proceedings or who have applied for benefits like lawful permanent residence (Forms I-485, I-687, or I-698) or employment authorization.
However, unregistered groups include those who entered without inspection, Canadian visitors who entered through land ports and stay more than 30 days in the USA, and individuals with applications for benefits like Temporary Protected Status but no registration documents. Certain groups, such as American Indians born in Canada with at least 50% American Indian blood, are exempt under 8 U.S.C. § 1359, though they may register voluntarily.
DHS claims that the ARR enhances national security by enabling USCIS and other agencies to track noncitizens’ presence, review criminal records, and monitor activities, including through social media vetting for anti-American sentiments or terrorist affiliations. Data is integrated into the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database to prevent misuse of public benefits and strengthen enforcement, according to USCIS.
USCIS is aggressively promoting awareness through multilingual social media campaigns, such as Spanish-language posts on X, and public outreach. Posts on April 24 and 28, 2025, highlighted the ease of filing Form G-325R online and reminded noncitizens of the 30-day registration requirement.
There is currently no fee for filing Form G-325R or submitting biometrics, but DHS is considering a $30 biometric services fee to cover fingerprinting and background checks, with public comments invited until April 11, 2025, and comments on information collection burdens due by May 12, 2025.
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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.
