Beginning on January 20, 2025, the U.S. government will roll out a new immigration rule that requires certain foreign nationals to complete alien registration in the USA if they remain for 30 days or more. This rule will affect those who were not registered or fingerprinted when applying for their visas, thereby allowing the government in the U.S. to keep track of the legal status and movement of foreign nationals within the country. For you, planning a long-term stay, this could affect your immigration process; thus, it’s important to know how it will apply to you under the alien registration requirement.
Who Is Already Registered for the Alien Registration USA Process?
Certain foreign nationals already have registration USA requirement privileges and so do not need to take further steps. These include:
- Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders).
- Persons granted humanitarian parole status in the U.S. (even if their status has since expired).
- Nonimmigrants who have received an I-94 (whether it’s expired or not).
- People in removal proceedings, with or without an attached work permit.
- Individuals applying for lawful permanent residence (such as with Forms I-485, I-687, or I-691) and providing fingerprints (unless waived).
- Canadians or Mexicans with Border Crossing Cards.
If you fall under any of these categories, you’re already registered under the alien registration USA system and don’t need to do anything further.
Who Is Required to Register Under the Alien Registration Requirement?
Various categories of foreign nationals are required to follow the alien registration USA process, including
- Foreign nationals who entered the U.S. without documentation at any point while crossing the border.
- Canadian visitors who entered at land ports of entry without proof of registration and are in the U.S. for more than 30 days.
- Foreign nationals currently seeking asylum, in temporary protected status, or receiving DACA who have not been fingerprinted or provided registration evidence like Employment Authorization or Notice to Appear.
- Foreign nationals who are 14 years or older, did not register or fingerprint when applying for a visa, and are now residing in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.
- Individuals under 14 years of age are required to re-register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
Parents or legal guardians must assist in completing this registration USA requirement process.
Failure to comply with the alien registration requirement can result in penalties, including fines and potential legal consequences.
How to Register
If you fall under the alien registration USA requirement, follow these steps:
- Create a USCIS Online Account.
- Complete and submit Form G-325R and upload any necessary documents such as G-28 or criminal history (if applicable).
- Attend your biometrics appointment to have your photo and fingerprints taken (unless exempted).
- Receive your registration notice, which must be kept for your records.
It is crucial that all information provided on Form G-325R is accurate, as false statements can result in criminal penalties.
Helpful Resources
To assist with the process, here are some useful resources:
- How to Create a USCIS Online Account
- Preparing for Your Biometrics Appointment
- How to Change Your Address with USCIS
How We Can Support You
Immigration has its processes, and much of it could be complex. Having specialized in guiding individuals and families through elaborate procedures, our team at Luke Bowman & Associates has enabled many of our clients to have a successful immigration journey fraught with challenges and regulations.
Our attorneys have the expertise to walk you through the immigration process. Should you be concerned with alien registration in the USA, registering, or other aspects of immigration status with which you require assistance, we stand by to help.
For further details on this subject, kindly refer to the relevant section of the USCIS official website: Alien Registration Requirement | USCIS.
If you are prepared to initiate your immigration process or are otherwise in need of support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for trustworthy and professional legal representation. Your immigration journey will be made that much smoother and more successful with our aid.