On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a new registration process for certain noncitizens under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. This executive order enforces provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), requiring noncitizens to register with the federal government using Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration). At Bali Law, our skilled immigration attorneys are ready to help you navigate this complex process, ensuring compliance while protecting your rights. Below, we outline the new requirements and explain how our firm can assist.

The Alien Registration Requirement

The requirement for noncitizens to register with the U.S. government stems from the Alien Registration Act of 1940, codified in INA section 262 (8 U.S.C. 1302). It mandates that noncitizens aged 14 and older, who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer, register unless previously registered through a visa or other immigration process. Parents or legal guardians must register children under 14. The recent executive order has prioritized enforcement, introducing new procedures and stricter penalties for non-compliance.

Who Must Register?

The new registration requirement, detailed in an Interim Final Rule (IFR) published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 12, 2025, applies to noncitizens who:

• Are 14 years of age or older.
• Have not been registered and fingerprinted during a U.S. visa application or other immigration process.
• Remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.

However, many noncitizens may already be registered if they:

• Were paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5), even if parole has expired.
• Were admitted as nonimmigrants with Form I-94 or I-94W, even if the admission period has expired.
• Were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last U.S. entry.
• Are in removal proceedings.
• Hold an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• Have applied for lawful permanent residence using forms like I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived).

Unsure if you need to register? Our immigration attorneys at Bali Law can review your immigration history to confirm your status and obligations.

The Registration Process: Step-by-Step

The registration process is online-only and includes:

1. Create a USCIS Online Account: Each individual, including children under 14, needs a USCIS online account. Parents or guardians create accounts for minors using the child’s information. An email address is required.
2. Submit Form G-325R: Complete and submit the electronic Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), through your USCIS online account, providing personal and immigration history details.
3. Attend a Biometric Appointment: USCIS will schedule an appointment at an Application Support Center for fingerprinting, photographs, and signature collection. Background checks, including criminal history reviews, will follow.
4. Receive Proof of Registration: After biometrics and background checks, USCIS will issue a Proof of Alien Registration document via your online account. Noncitizens aged 18 and older, including Green Card (GC) holders and H-1B visa holders, must carry this proof at all times.

Key Compliance Notes

• Effective Date: The requirement began on April 11, 2025.
• No Fixed Deadline: Registration is required within 30 days of entering the U.S. or staying for 30 days, but USCIS has not set a firm compliance deadline. Non-compliance is an enforcement priority.
• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs): LPRs turning 14 must register and submit Form I-90 within 30 days of their birthday, even if their green card is valid.

Our team at Bali Law can assist with account setup, form completion, and biometric preparation to ensure seamless compliance.

Implications of the New Requirement

What Registration Does Not Do

Registering with Form G-325R does not:

• Grant legal immigration status.
• Provide work authorization.
• Protect against removal proceedings.

The process aims to track noncitizens, particularly those without lawful status, and may support enforcement actions, including deportation.

Risks of Compliance

For undocumented noncitizens or those with expired status, registering may pose risks:

• Deportation: DHS may use registration data to locate and remove individuals.
• Criminal Penalties: False information on Form G-325R can lead to prosecution.
• Self-Incrimination: The form’s questions about entry and potential criminal activity raise Fifth Amendment concerns. Our attorneys can help you navigate these risks while meeting legal requirements.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to register has serious consequences:

• Criminal Penalties: Willful non-compliance is a federal misdemeanor, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
• Civil Penalties: Fines or other enforcement actions may apply.
• Immigration Consequences: Non-compliance may jeopardize future immigration benefit applications.

Noncitizens aged 18 and older, including GC holders and H-1B visa holders, must carry their Proof of Alien Registration at all times. Failure to produce it when requested by authorities may result in misdemeanor charges.

Challenges and Concerns

The new rule has sparked concerns:

• Accessibility: The online-only process requires internet access and an email address, posing barriers for some. Form G-325R is currently available only in English.
• Privacy Risks: Critics worry about mass surveillance or targeting of immigrant communities.
• Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups’ attempts to block the rule were dismissed on April 11, 2025, when a federal judge ruled, they lacked standing, allowing implementation to proceed.

At Bali Law, we are committed to addressing these challenges and helping clients comply safely.

Take Action Today!

The new USCIS registration rules, effective April 11, 2025, demand careful attention, especially for GC holders and H-1B visa holders who must carry proof of registration at all times. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our dedicated immigration attorneys. Contact us today for guidance!

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws are complex and subject to change. Contact us at Bali Law for personalized guidance.