On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159 directing the Department of Homeland Security to ensure aliens comply with their duty to register under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and treat failure to comply as a civil and criminal enforcement priority. To implement this mandate, USCIS has established a new form, G-325R (Biographic Information Registration), and an online process by which unregistered aliens may register and comply with the law.
What changed
The INA requires that, with limited exceptions, all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Parents and legal guardians of aliens below age 14 must ensure those aliens are registered. Within 30 days of reaching their 14th birthday, all previously registered aliens must apply for re-registration and be fingerprinted.
Previously, a significant number of aliens present in the United States had no direct way to register and meet their obligation under INA 262. USCIS has now remedied this gap with Form G-325R and a web-based registration system accessible through myUSCIS accounts. The Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) Determination Tool will help you determine if you need to register.
Key registration mechanics:
- Create an individual USCIS online account
- Complete Form G-325R with biographic information and criminal history
- Attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center for fingerprinting (unless waived, as for Canadians or those under 14)
- Download and print proof of registration
Once an alien has registered and appeared for fingerprinting (unless waived), DHS will issue evidence of registration, which aliens over the age of 18 must carry and keep in their personal possession at all times.
Why it matters
Failure to comply may result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution, the imposition of fines, and incarceration. DHS has explicitly made enforcement a priority, meaning ICE agents are instructed to verify compliance and refer noncompliant individuals to DOJ for prosecution.
The timing trigger is critical: it is the legal obligation of all unregistered aliens (or previously registered aliens who turn 14 years old) who are in the United States for 30 days or longer to comply with these requirements. A client who arrives on day 1 of a 31-day stay faces exposure if they fail to register by day 30—or face potential criminal charges beginning day 31.
This registration requirement affects a broad category of noncitizens:
- Aliens who entered without inspection (EWI) and have remained 30+ days
- Visa holders who were never registered or fingerprinted upon entry
- Dependents (F-2, J-2, H-4) who remain 30+ days
- Anyone who turned 14 while in the U.S. (within 30 days of birthday)
Practitioners must now counsel clients on their affirmative duty to register, the timeline, and the location of their nearest USCIS Application Support Center for biometrics.
Way forward
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Determine registration status immediately. Use the USCIS ARR Determination Tool at https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration to identify whether your client is required to register or already has proof of registration via I-94, I-765 EAD, green card, or other qualifying document.
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If registration is required, file Form G-325R without delay. Counsel clients who have been in the U.S. 30+ days that they are already out of compliance; the statute begins to apply on day 31. Create a myUSCIS account and submit Form G-325R online as soon as possible.
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Schedule and complete biometrics. USCIS will automatically schedule a biometrics appointment after Form G-325R is submitted. Clients must attend in person, except Canadians and those under 14 (who are waived).
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Carry proof of registration at all times. Once biometrics are complete, clients age 18+ must download, print, and carry the proof of alien registration document. This is a separate legal requirement; failure to carry it is a separate violation.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fola is a software company, not a law firm. Consult a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative to assess your individual registration obligations and compliance strategy. DHS policy and enforcement priorities can change without notice. Verify all information against the primary source linked above and current USCIS guidance before advising a client or filing.