New Alien Registration Requirement: What You Need to Know

Introduction

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant new policy that will affect nearly all non-citizens residing in the United States. A new alien registration requirement is scheduled to take effect on April 11, 2025, based on President Trump's Executive Order titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion."

Who Must Register?

This interim final rule mandates that foreign nationals above the age of 14 who are present in the US for more than 30 days must comply with the registration requirement. Parents and legal guardians are also required to ensure that their children under the age of 14 are registered.

The requirement applies broadly to most non-citizens present in the US for more than 30 days who are not already considered registered through other means, such as having applied for certain immigration benefits or holding specific visa statuses.

Registration Process

The registration process involves:

Submitting an online registration using the electronic Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration)
Undergoing fingerprinting (biometrics)

Ongoing Requirements

Once registered, foreign nationals face additional ongoing obligations:

Individuals 18 years of age or older must carry proof of their alien registration with them at all times
All registrants must notify DHS in writing of any change of address within ten days of moving

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The consequences for failing to comply with these requirements are severe:

Failure to register and provide fingerprints can lead to criminal prosecution
Penalties may include fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both
Failure to carry registration documents or report address changes can also result in criminal penalties

Historical Context

While the United States has had alien registration requirements in the past, this new rule appears to be a more comprehensive and actively enforced measure. It signals a significant expansion of the government's efforts to track and identify non-citizens residing within the country.

Concerns and Implications

Immigration advocates have raised several concerns about this new requirement:

It may create a climate of fear and anxiety within immigrant communities
The undocumented population may face heightened scrutiny and potential enforcement actions
The requirement could lead to profiling and discrimination
It places additional administrative burdens on non-citizens

Recommendations for Affected Individuals

If you are a non-citizen residing in the United States:

Consult with a qualified immigration attorney to understand how this requirement affects your specific situation
Begin gathering necessary documentation for the registration process
Ensure your contact information is current with all government agencies
Stay informed about implementation timelines and any changes to the requirements

For Advocates and Service Providers

Organizations working with immigrant communities should:

Develop clear, accessible materials explaining the registration requirements
Provide guidance on how to comply with the new rule
Offer resources for legal consultations
Monitor implementation and report any issues or concerns

This new registration requirement represents a significant shift in how the federal government monitors and regulates the non-citizen population in the United States. Understanding and preparing for these changes will be essential for affected individuals and the communities that support them.