March 3rd, 2025
Posted By
Paris Lee

On February 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new initiative requiring the registration and fingerprinting of certain non-U.S. citizens. This policy, part of President Trump’s executive order "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," mandates compliance or risks criminal prosecution. Although this may seem like a new law, it is actually an enforcement of an existing provision within the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Who Needs to Register?

The registration requirement applies to:

  • Non-citizens aged 14 and older who were not registered when applying for a U.S. visa and have been in the country for 30 days or longer
  • Parents or guardians of non-citizen children under 14 who have not yet been registered

In many cases, this requirement primarily affects individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection. Specific groups likely required to register include:

  • Individuals present in the U.S. without inspection or admission
  • Canadian visitors who entered through land border crossings without receiving a Form I-94
  • Certain DACA and TPS recipients who were not issued official registration documentation

Who Is Already Registered?

Many non-citizens have already fulfilled the registration requirement through prior immigration processes. Those considered registered include:

  • Lawful permanent residents
  • Individuals paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5)
  • Non-immigrants issued Form I-94 or I-94W
  • Those issued immigrant or non-immigrant visas prior to arrival
  • Aliens placed in removal proceedings by DHS
  • Individuals issued employment authorization documents
  • Applicants for lawful permanent residence using specific forms
  • Aliens issued border crossing cards

Exemptions

Some groups are exempt from the registration requirement, including:

  • American Indians born in Canada who entered the U.S. under INA Section 289
  • Members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians who entered under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act

How to Register

The Department of Homeland Security will soon release an online registration process. Expected to launch on February 25, 2025, those required to register should prepare by creating a USCIS online account. Non-compliance may result in criminal and civil penalties, as well as consequences for future immigration benefits.

For more information, visit USCIS.gov or contact our office for a confidential consultation. If implemented, failure to comply with the new registration rule could seriously impact immigration status.