The U.S. government has introduced new measures requiring all immigrants and foreign nationals within the country to be officially registered. Those who entered the country without inspection and have not previously had contact with federal authorities must now complete the registration process or face potential legal consequences.
In addition to individuals without prior registration, legal immigrants who are already documented must now carry proof of their registration at all times. Under the new regulations, all foreign nationals over the age of 18 are required to possess and maintain documentation issued by the Department of Homeland Security after completing registration and fingerprinting, unless otherwise exempt.
Failure to comply with these registration requirements may result in legal penalties, including both civil and criminal sanctions. Noncompliance could lead to misdemeanor charges, fines, or other legal actions.
To facilitate the process, the government has established an official registration system. Beginning February 25, 2025, those required to register must create an online account with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to initiate the registration process.
As part of broader immigration enforcement efforts, authorities have reinforced long-standing legal requirements for foreign nationals to register with the government and provide proof of their registration. This directive, issued through an executive order on January 20, 2025, instructs the Department of Homeland Security to ensure compliance and prioritize enforcement against those who fail to meet the requirements.
Under U.S. immigration law, most foreign nationals aged 14 and older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a visa and who remain in the country for at least 30 days must complete the registration and fingerprinting process. Additionally, individuals who turn 14 while already residing in the U.S. must re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days of their birthday.
Those who are already registered include lawful permanent residents and individuals who have received official documents verifying their registration. Individuals who have submitted the required forms and provided fingerprints, even if they were not issued a formal registration document, are also considered compliant with the requirement.
However, foreign nationals aged 14 and older who did not undergo registration or fingerprinting when applying for a visa and who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days must apply before the 30-day period expires. Parents and legal guardians of children under 14 who have not been registered must also complete the process within this timeframe if the child remains in the country beyond 30 days.
Certain groups of individuals remain unregistered, including those who entered the country without undergoing inspection and admission or parole, Canadian visitors who entered at land border crossings without receiving formal registration documents, and individuals who have applied for benefits such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) but have not been issued official registration records.
These measures reflect an effort to enforce immigration policies and ensure compliance with federal registration requirements for all foreign nationals residing in the United States.
