The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new requirement for certain foreign nationals to register with the federal government and provide biometric information, including fingerprints, photographs and digital signatures. This requirement stems from President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20, 2025, executive order, "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," and will take effect on April 11, 2025.
Who is Already Registered?
Many foreign nationals in the U.S. are already registered and will not need to take further action to comply. These include:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
- Nonimmigrants admitted to the U.S. who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), regardless of whether their period of admission has expired.
- Individuals issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas prior to arrival.
- Individuals paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5), even if the parole period has expired.
- Individuals issued Border Crossing Cards.
- Persons visiting the U.S. for 30 days or less.
- Those placed into removal proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Who is Not Registered?
Any noncitizen who is in the U.S. for more than 30 days and does not fall into one of the categories above must register. This includes:
- Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry and were not issued Form I-94 (paper or electronic).
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status applicants without an employment authorization document.
- Undocumented individuals.
- Previously registered children who turn 14 years old (must register within 30 days of their birthday).
Those subject to registration must comply within 30 days of their arrival or, for minors, within 30 days of reaching age 14.
How to Register
To register, noncitizens must:
- Create a USCIS online account at uscis.gov.
- Submit Form G-325R through the online system, providing biographic details, address history, U.S. activities, estimated departure date, criminal history and details about immediate family members.
- Attend a biometrics appointment (if required) at a USCIS Application Support Center. Fingerprinting is currently free, but a $30 biometrics fee is being considered.
- Download proof of registration, which must be carried at all times by noncitizens aged 18 and older.
Carrying Proof of Registration
Foreign nationals 18 years of age or older must always carry proof of registration while in the U.S. This may include a passport with U.S. visa stamp, Form I-94 arrival/departure record, Employment Authorization Document or proof of filing Form G-325R issued by USCIS.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the registration requirement can result in criminal misdemeanor and civil penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. Failure to carry proof of registration could result in enforcement actions, potentially increasing arrests and deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Next Steps: Prepare and Await USCIS Guidance
DHS will soon release additional details on the registration process. Noncitizens who are required to register should create a USCIS online account immediately to prepare for compliance.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial to visiting, living and working in the U.S. Keep vital documents and emergency contacts readily available, and seek legal assistance if you or someone you know is approached by ICE or other law enforcement.
