The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the enforcement of the alien registration requirement under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), set to take effect in March 2025. Non-citizens meeting specific criteria will be required to register with USCIS within 30 days of arrival to remain in compliance with immigration regulations.
Individuals affected by this requirement include non-U.S. citizens aged 14 or older who were not registered or fingerprinted when applying for a visa and have remained in the U.S. for at least 30 days. Parents or legal guardians must register children under 14 who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days without prior registration. Additionally, non-citizens who turn 14 while residing in the country must register within 30 days of their birthday.
Noncompliance could result in legal consequences, including fines and misdemeanor charges. Those without inspection and admission, such as certain Canadian visitors who did not receive an I-94 record or individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) without proof of registration, may be particularly affected. Once registered, non-citizens over 18 are required to carry their documentation at all times, as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Some individuals are already considered registered and do not need to take further action. This includes lawful permanent residents, individuals paroled into the U.S. under specific provisions, nonimmigrants with an I-94 record, those issued visas before arrival, individuals placed into removal proceedings by DHS, holders of employment authorization documents (EADs), and applicants for lawful permanent residence using designated forms.
While USCIS has yet to release details on the registration process, non-citizens will eventually need to create a USCIS online account to complete and submit their registration forms. Parents and guardians will be responsible for submitting applications on behalf of minors under 14.
Failure to comply with the registration requirement may lead to legal penalties, including potential criminal prosecution, civil fines, and immigration consequences for those without lawful status. However, registration itself does not grant employment authorization or any additional legal benefits under immigration law.
Further details on the implementation of this requirement, including official registration procedures, are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Non-citizens currently in the U.S. should prepare by creating a USCIS account and staying informed on updates from DHS and USCIS to ensure compliance.
