A comprehensive new immigration regulation came into force on April 11, 2025, under the Trump administration, mandating virtually all noncitizens aged 14 and older to register with federal authorities and maintain registration documentation on their person at all times.
Formally designated as the “Alien Registration Requirement,” this regulation has generated considerable concern and uncertainty within immigrant populations, particularly among those with limited understanding of U.S. immigration regulations or those with ambiguous legal standing.
As stated in an advisory notice from a prominent U.S. immigration law firm, “All noncitizens aged 14 and older must register with the U.S. government following the published procedures,” and “noncitizen children who turn 14 while in the U.S. are generally required to submit a new registration to USCIS within 30 days of their birthday.”
As a community-focused media outlet serving Haitian immigrants in the United States, Caribbean Television Network (CTN) provides a detailed analysis of this new regulation’s implications, its scope, and compliance requirements.
What Is the Alien Registration Requirement?
This legislation, which revives and broadens previously inactive elements of U.S. immigration policy, stipulates that foreign nationals aged 14 and older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a visa or upon arrival, and who stay in the U.S. longer than 30 days, must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
“Not registering—or failing to carry proof—can lead to fines, criminal charges, or even jail time,” the alert warns. This requirement extends beyond mere administrative procedure; noncompliance can result in severe penalties, even for those holding valid visas.
Critically, registration is not equivalent to legal status. The immigration law firm stresses that “registration is not an immigration status, and it does not provide work authorization or legal benefits.”
Who Is Already Considered Registered?
Notably, a significant segment of the U.S. immigrant population has already satisfied this requirement—often automatically—through existing immigration procedures.
USCIS confirms that the following groups are already compliant:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
- Individuals paroled into the U.S., even if the parole has since expired: For those who came under the humanitarian parole program better known as Biden program, it is not necessary to register in the news USCIS registration system, as explained by a prominent law firm in Massachusetts which did not grant authorization to CTN to be cited in this article.
- Visa holders who received a Form I-94 or I-94W (either paper or electronic)
- Anyone with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is considered already registered.
- Individuals who have been placed in removal proceedings
- Applicants for a green card who submitted relevant forms and biometrics
- Border Crossing Card holders: For those who came to the United States via the southern border through the CBPOne application it is not necessary to register.
In essence, individuals who have formally interacted with the U.S. immigration system—particularly those who have undergone fingerprinting or received USCIS documentation—are typically already registered.
Who Still Needs to Register?
For those who do not fall within the aforementioned categories, immediate registration may be necessary. This requirement encompasses various individuals, including many who might be unaware of their non-compliant status.
The following groups must verify their registration status:
- Foreign nationals who entered the U.S. without proper admission or inspection
- Important: The official notice explicitly states, “All persons in the United States without lawful admission or inspection should speak to legal counsel prior to registering with the government.”
- Canadian citizens entering the U.S. without obtaining a Form I-94 and staying beyond 30 days
- Minors reaching age 14 while residing in the U.S., regardless of previous registration status
This final point warrants special attention from immigrant families with children who entered legally but are approaching the registration age threshold. USCIS regulations mandate that these children must complete a new registration within 30 days of turning 14.
How to Register
USCIS has streamlined the process by implementing a new Form G-325R and establishing an online registration portal accessible throughout the United States.
For detailed instructions and registration access, visit:
uscis.gov/alienregistration
The law firm emphasizes that “registration is not an immigration status” and “does not provide work authorization or legal benefits.” This requirement exists independently of one’s immigration status.
Carrying Proof of Registration: A Legal Obligation
All registered individuals 18 and older must legally carry their registration proof at all times.
This mandate applies to:
- Green Card holders
- Nonimmigrants with H, L, TN, O, F-1 visas
- EAD holders
- Individuals possessing USCIS approval notices showing immigration status
Valid proof includes:
- A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
- A current Form I-94 or visa
- An Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Any USCIS approval notice indicating nonimmigrant classification
This policy provision has raised concerns among immigration attorneys and advocacy groups, particularly regarding potential racial profiling and unnecessary law enforcement interactions.
Don’t Forget to Update Your Address.
Finally, all noncitizens—including Lawful Permanent Residents—must notify USCIS of any address changes within 10 days of relocation.
Failing to maintain current address information may result in significant consequences, potentially affecting future immigration proceedings and applications.
Address updates can be completed efficiently through your USCIS online portal. Navigate to uscis.gov and locate the “Change of Address” instructions.
Community Impact and Legal Caution
The policy implementation has generated concern within immigrant populations, particularly among Haitian communities concentrated in Miami, Boston, and New York. Many undocumented individuals worry that registration could heighten deportation risks.
However, immigration attorneys advocate for measured consideration and professional consultation rather than alarm. “Registration doesn’t equal deportation—but it also doesn’t protect you. Consulting with legal professionals is crucial, particularly for those who entered without inspection,” as stated by one attorney.
The directive remains unambiguous: comply—but proceed with knowledge.
Under President Trump’s administration, as immigration policies continue to transform, understanding both rights and obligations becomes increasingly critical for immigrants.
The Alien Registration Requirement, while procedural in nature, carries significant ramifications. Whether you’re newly arrived, long-established, or at any point between, maintaining proper USCIS registration is now mandated by law.
For current immigration news, Haitian Creole resources, and connections to verified legal assistance networks, visit CTNINFO.COM or connect with CTN on social platforms.
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