Key Highlights
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) established a fundamental new rule effective April 11, 2025, that requires numerous noncitizens in the United States to file official government registrations despite their long-term residence in the country. President Trump implemented a modification of immigration law through executive order, which now affects undocumented immigrants and particular visa holders, along with their family members. This guide provides an extensive explanation about who needs to register, as well as details on required procedures, together with penalties for non-compliance.
Background: Why the Registration Requirement Now?
This registration duty has existed since the beginning. All foreign nationals residing in the United States must comply with the registration requirement under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which originated from the 1940 legislation. Prior to recent times, most immigrants met their registration obligation naturally when they obtained visas, green cards, or work permits. Under Executive Order, President Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to focus registration enforcement specifically on people who have never interacted officially with immigration services during January 2025.
A DHS Interim Final Rule now enforces registration of all immigrants as well as their obligation to show proof of registration as both civil and criminal violations. According to the authorities, the primary objective of this initiative is to boost government control of noncitizens, while opponents suggest it creates more dangers for undocumented immigrants along with their relatives.
Also Read: Green Card Marriages: Navigating Trump's Policy Changes
Who Must Register Under the 2025 Rule?
Registration is not obligatory for every resident of the United States. The rule requires registration from noncitizens who have neither had contact nor entered the United States without proper visa inspections. The immigration registration becomes obligatory for individuals who meet certain criteria.
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Illegal entry into the United States, either through undocumented visa-free access or without official border inspection procedures, applies to this requirement.
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Noncitizens falling under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and DACA or Deferred Action programs who did not acquire a visa or Form I-94 document
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Fingerprinting and official immigration documentation have never been issued to you.
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Although you never completed registration, the government currently conducts removal proceedings against you.
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You just reached your 14th birthday, and you have never undergone registration.
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A child younger than 14 who lives in the United States for 30 days or longer must be registered as per law.
The presence of a green card application status, holding a visa, and possessing both an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) and Form I-94 proves your automatic registration status. Guest Canadian who cross through land borders exceeding a 30-day visit without receiving an I-94 documentation are probably impacted by this update.
Exemptions:
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) already registered Lawful permanent residents and individuals with valid visas or employment authorisation or border crossing cards or paroled status into the U.S. Young people who have alien parents must make a registration within 30 days once they reach their 14th birthday despite previous registration status as a minor.
How to Register: Step-by-Step Process in 2025
The registration process is entirely online and free. Here’s how it works:
1. Create a USCIS Online Account
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Open the USCIS website to start your individual account.
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Every person, including children, needs their own individual account to access the services. Those responsible for child care should make and supervise online access for children younger than 14.
2. Complete Form G-325R (Biographic Information)
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Fill out Form G-325R by entering your login information on the website.
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The application gets essential personal and background data from you.
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Full name, date of birth, country of birth
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State all your residence addresses during the last five years, plus your current U.S. home.
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Immigration history and entry details
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Family information (parents, spouse)
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Employment history
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Show all formal charges and police records you had in the past
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Submit this form through the website because mail and in-person submissions are not accepted.
3. Go to your Scheduled Biometric Appointment if it is necessary.
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USCIS asks you to visit a nearby Application Support Centre for biometrics data collection, including fingerprinting, photo, and signature.
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Although only some applicants need to attend this meeting, it is necessary for them to show up. USCIS takes action against visitors who do not show up for their scheduled appointment.
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Youngsters under 14 enter a special status yet must update their records within thirty days of becoming.
4. Download Proof of Registration
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When USCIS processes your registration application (including any needed biometrics), it will upload your proof of registration to its online system.
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Adults age 18 and above need to keep this document accessible at all times.
Also Read: US Immigration to Recognize Only Two Genders: A Policy Shift
What Happens If You Don’t Register?
Not following the registration rules brings about important penalties.
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Civil fines up to $5,000
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Being charged with misdemeanours may lead to immediate incarceration up to 30 days.
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Immigrant applicants who fail to follow registration requirements will have their future work permissions and green card applications impacted.
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Increased risk during immigration enforcement actions
The government now prioritises the enforcement of registration rules and will penalise both civilly and criminally those who do not follow the rules.
Special Considerations for Children and Families
- Children under 14 need parental registration if they stay in the US for more than 30 days.
- Children need to update their registration exactly 30 days before turning 14, while still having their earlier minor registration and potentially taking new biometric scans.
Legal and Practical Implications
The new registration program does not provide formal immigration rights or allow people to work in the United States. The mandate exists solely to collect essential information for compliance purposes. If you need guidance, contact an immigration lawyer because they help you decide if U.S. registration applies to you and protect your rights.
The new rule faces current legal opposition, which makes its future outcome hard to predict. At present, the policy demands registration and enforcement actions apply when people fail to follow it.
Where to Get Help?
If you need assistance:
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Consult a Department of Justice-accredited legal representative
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Search for local legal aid organisations or immigration nonprofits
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Use resources like informedimmigrant.com for legal services
Conclusion
USCIS is making important changes to immigration control in the United States as of 2025 to enforce rules against noncitizens who never obtained legal registration status. Registered immigrants need no action, while others waiting for legal entry should apply before the deadline to avoid immigration consequences. Getting registered online through the program is simple and free of charge, yet it imposes heavy penalties for anyone who does not follow the process. The fight for immigrant rights continues, so noncitizens need to consult expert assistance and monitor breaking news to protect their path to United States citizenship.
To get acquainted with the latest immigration policies and news, contact TerraTern right now!
