FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Alien Registration Requirement Announced Under Executive Order
February 26, 2025– In response to the recent Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reinforcing the legal requirement for non-U.S. citizens to register with the U.S. government under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302). The failure to comply with this requirement will now be a civil and criminal enforcement priority.
Who Must Register?
Under U.S. law, most non-U.S. citizens already comply with this requirement. However, a significant number of individuals currently residing in the U.S. have not yet registered due to a lack of a direct process. The new registration process ensures that:
- All non-U.S. citizens 14 years of age or older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must apply for registration and fingerprinting.
- Parents and legal guardians must register children under the age of 14.
- Children who turn 14 years old while in the U.S. must re-register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of their birthday.
- Registered individuals over 18 years of age must carry their evidence of registration at all times.
Who Has Already Registered?
Non-U.S. citizens who have already been issued certain immigration documents (such as lawful permanent residents, visa holders, and individuals in removal proceedings) are already registered and do not need to take further action.
How to Register
The DHS will introduce a new form and process to facilitate compliance with INA 262. Beginning February 25, 2025, non-U.S. citizens who are required to register should:
- Create a USCIS online account in preparation for the registration process.
- Submit their registration application (including re-registration for individuals turning 14).
- Await further guidance from USCIS on fingerprinting and issuance of registration evidence.
No Excuses for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this registration requirement may result in civil and criminal penalties, including misdemeanor prosecution and fines.
Registration is not an immigration status and does not grant employment authorization or any other benefit under U.S. law. However, it is a legal obligation for all eligible non-U.S. citizens residing in the country.
USCIS link: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration
For further details, or to discuss your immigration status and compliance, contact NPZ Law Group – Immigration & Nationality Law at info@visaserve.com and 201-670-0006 (ext. 104).