The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule amending regulations on alien registration and fingerprinting, formalizing Form G-325R (Biographic Information – Registration) as a general registration mechanism. The rule finalizes and builds upon a March 2025 interim rule, with the objective of ensuring that previously unregistered foreign nationals comply with longstanding statutory requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
What changed
A central feature of the rule is the designation of Form G-325R as a universal registration option for individuals who have not previously registered through existing immigration processes. Under this framework, individuals must create a USCIS online account, submit biographic information via Form G-325R, and attend a biometrics appointment, where applicable.
The resulting document serves as official evidence of alien registration under federal law. DHS emphasizes that the rule does not create new legal obligations. Instead, it provides a mechanism to comply with requirements that have existed for decades.
The rule reinforces DHS’s focus on biometric collection and identity verification: fingerprinting and background checks remain core components; biometrics are used to identify criminal history or security concerns; and DHS indicates improved registration will enhance law enforcement and compliance capabilities. Notably, DHS has not imposed a biometric fee at this time, although this may be considered in the future.
Why it matters
The transition from interim to final rule provides practitioners with settled guidance on an obligation that has real enforcement teeth. 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. Failure to comply may result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution, the imposition of fines, and incarceration.
You now have a permanent registration pathway to advise undocumented clients who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days. However, registration itself confers no immigration benefit and does not shield the registrant from enforcement. Clients without status who file G-325R provide DHS with location and identity information that could be used in removal proceedings. This requires careful pre-filing counsel on the specific client’s circumstances.
Way forward
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Review eligibility. Confirm whether your client has already registered through a visa application, I-94, EAD, green card, or prior USCIS fingerprinting. If you have already registered as required under INA 262, USCIS will not schedule you for a biometric services appointment or provide you with evidence of registration.
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Assess registration necessity and risk. Before filing, evaluate whether the client faces heightened enforcement risk due to criminal history or removal exposure. Consult with counsel on timing and strategy.
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Create a USCIS account and file. 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 as required by the INA. Each noncitizen must have an individual myUSCIS account.
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Attend biometrics appointment (if scheduled). If you are required to register and provide biometrics, USCIS will schedule you for a biometric services appointment at one of our Application Support Centers (ASCs). Registrants are not required to pay a biometric services fee under the Interim Final Rule.
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Carry and maintain evidence 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.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes the announcement and does not constitute legal advice. Registration under Form G-325R is a compliance step with long-standing statutory obligations, not a path to immigration status or benefits. Unregistered noncitizens, especially those without lawful status, face serious criminal and civil penalties for non-compliance, but face potential enforcement exposure from registration. You must consult a licensed immigration attorney before deciding whether to file Form G-325R. Immigration policy and enforcement priorities can change without notice. Verify all guidance against the primary source at https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration and the final rule as published by DHS.