New DHS Alien Registration Requirement: What Non-US Citizens Need to Know

On February 25, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new DHS alien registration requirement for certain non-U.S. citizens. This initiative, stemming from President Trump’s January 20, 2025 “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” executive order, aims to enforce existing alien registration mandates under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302).

This new DHS registration demands that qualifying individuals provide personal information, including fingerprints and home addresses.

Who Must Register?

Non-US citizens aged 14 and older who were not previously fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and intend to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more.
Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 who meet the same criteria must register before the expiration of the 30 days.
Previously registered children who turn 14 must re-register within 30 days of their birthday, even if they already have existing registration evidence or not.

Who is NOT Considered Registered?

Individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection.
Canadians who entered at a land port without registration evidence.
Applicants for immigration benefits not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), such as DACA and TPS applicants.

New US Registration Rule for Canadian

Starting April 11, 2025, Canadians staying in the US for more than 30 days must register online with US authorities and carry proof of registration. This applies to Canadians aged 14 and older entering by car.

While fingerprinting requirements for Canadians have been waived, failure to comply with the DHS alien registration requirement can lead to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.

The rule affects an estimated 2.2 to 3.2 million Canadians annually.

Short-term visitors and air travelers are automatically registered.

Who is Already Registered?

Individuals who have submitted forms listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including:

Green Card holders (EB-1, EB-1C, EB-2 NIW, PERM EB-2 and EB-3, EB-5, EB-5 Regional Centers, EB-5 Visa for Canadians, green card through investment, employment-based green card, family-based green card and marriage-based green card)

Individuals admitted to the US as nonimmigrants with an I-94 or I-94W, even if their authorized stay has expired (except for Canadian citizens travelling by car).

Individuals who filed Form I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700 for lawful permanent residence and submitted fingerprints (if required), even if their application was denied.

Parolees

Employment authorization recipients

Individuals in removal proceedings, and

Individuals issued Border Crossing Cards.

How to Register?

You can register online on Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration). The registration form (G-325R) is now accessible in MyUSCIS accounts.

To register, you must create a USCIS account and submit Form G-325R via the USCIS account.

Key Points about DHS Alien Registration:

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the alien registration requirements may result in misdemeanor convictions, civil fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, and potential immigration consequences.

No Legal Status or Work Authorization: Registration does not grant legal immigration status or work authorization.

USCIS Account: A USCIS account is required for the registration process.

USCIS has not yet specified fees related to the registration itself.

Malescu Law can assist

If you need assistance with the DHS alien registration, contact us or schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration lawyers to discuss your case or begin your alien registration application process.

We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Contact us or schedule a consultation.

Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers