Understanding Alien Registration Requirements
What is Alien Registration?
The Alien Registration Act of 1940 requires that every foreign national, age 14 years or older who will be in the United States (U.S.) for 30 days or more, must be registered and fingerprinted. Foreign nationals 18 years and older are also required to always carry proof of such registration. Failure to do so can result in a misdemeanor, which includes fines or imprisonment.
Historically, this law has not been regularly enforced but the Trump administration began doing so as of April 11, 2025. To comply with the registration requirement, the administration created a new online G-325R for all unregistered foreign nationals to obtain “Proof of Alien Registration.”
Who needs to register?
Many noncitizens, including some who lack legal status, are already considered registered (see “Who is considered to have already registered,” below.) Any other noncitizen who enters U.S. and plans to stay for 30 days or longer after April 11, 2025 must register before the expiration of the 30 days.
This mandate includes:
- Canadians who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration (e.g., Form I-94).
- Noncitizens who entered the U.S. without inspection and have not otherwise been encountered by DHS or do not have a registration document. Note that those who applied for deferred action or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who were not issued evidence of registration are included.
- Noncitizen children who turn 14 years old while in the U.S. must register/re- register within 30 days of their 14th birthday. If an LPR (lawful permanent resident) is outside of the U.S. when they turn 14, the individual must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their children’s compliance.
Who is considered to have already registered?
Noncitizens who have already registered include:
- Lawful permanent residents
- People paroled into the U.S. under INA §212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired
- People admitted to the U.S. as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or Form I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired
- All people present in the U.S. (except those under the age of fourteen), who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival
- People placed into removal proceedings
- People granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation proceedings
- People issued an employment authorization document (I-766)
What if you are undocumented?
If you entered the U.S. without inspection and admission or inspection and parole, you are required to register.
It is important to note that registering may result in the registrant being detained and placed in removal proceedings and failure to register may result in civil and criminal penalties. As such, you should consult with an immigration attorney prior to registering in order to understand the registration process, your rights, and any potential legal risks.
If you have questions or need more information about the alien registration or any other immigration matter, please contact the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. by e-mailing us at azita@azitalaw.com or calling 312.641-0771.
