The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a rule creating and updating registration procedures for noncitizens, saying the move is meant to give previously unregistered aliens a clearer way to comply with long-standing federal law. The rule takes effect June 29, 2026, and DHS is also seeking comments on additional possible changes through Aug. 28, 2026.
The final rule adopts the 2025 interim final rule and keeps Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), as a general registration option for unregistered aliens, while also updating which forms count as registration forms and evidence of registration. DHS said the changes are intended to reduce confusion, improve usability and strengthen enforcement by giving the agency more complete information about who is in the country.
Under the rule, aliens 14 and older who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer generally must register and, unless waived, be fingerprinted, while parents or legal guardians must register children under 14. The rule also says aliens 18 and older who are required to register must carry evidence of registration, and DHS estimated that current registrations and biometrics submissions under the rule have cost aliens about $21.3 million as of May 7, 2026, with another $0.6 million in agency biometrics costs.
DHS revised the list of prescribed registration forms and evidence of registration, removing obsolete references and adding new ones. The rule adds or updates forms including I-94/94A/94W, I-485, I-590, I-817, I-860, I-871, and trusted traveler documents for NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST and Global Entry.
The agency also said it will not impose a biometric services fee for registration applicants at this time, though it left open the possibility of doing so later. DHS said the rule does not create new registration or fingerprinting duties beyond those already in the Immigration and Nationality Act, but rather gives unregistered aliens another way to comply.
DHS said it received 4,198 public comments during the initial comment period and 71 more submissions after that, with most commenters opposing the rule and a smaller number supporting it. The department said it considered those comments but rejected arguments that the rule was overreaching, discriminatory or unlawful.
The rule also includes technical changes to regulations covering fingerprint waivers, temporary evidence of permanent resident status and the application for a nonimmigrant arrival-departure record. DHS said those updates are meant to reflect current practice and reduce confusion without changing substantive eligibility rules.
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.
