Trump Immigrant Registration Requirement

As of April 11, 2025, the federal government has begun actively enforcing a long-standing but historically dormant requirement: that most noncitizens in the U.S. for 30 days or more must register with the Department of Homeland Security and carry proof of that registration at all times.

Given the significant risk that this requirement presents to many immigrants, we strongly encourage all immigrants to meet with an attorney before completing this registration requirement to understand its potential legal risks and benefits. This article explains who must register, who is exempt, what documents serve as proof, and the potential consequences for failing to comply. Whether you're undocumented, a visa holder, or a parent of a child who has recently turned 14, this guide provides essential information and steps to help you stay in compliance—and avoid serious legal risks.

What is Alien Registration:

A 1940 law, known as the Alien Registration Act, requires that every foreign national, age 14 years or older, who will be in the United States (U.S.) for 30 days or more, must be registered and fingerprinted. This includes foreign nationals present in the U.S. without admission or parole. Foreign nationals 18 years and older are also required to always carry proof of such registration. Failure to do so can result in a misdemeanor, which includes fines or imprisonment.

Historically, this law has not been regularly enforced. However, the Trump administration began enforcing this law as of April 11, 2025.

Who needs to register:

• Canadians who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration (e.g., Form I-94).
• Noncitizens who entered the U.S. without inspection and have not otherwise been encountered by DHS or do not have a registration document. This includes those who applied for Deferred Action or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) but were not issued evidence of registration.
• Noncitizen children who turn 14 years old while in the U.S. must register or re-register within 30 days of their 14th birthday. If a lawful permanent resident (LPR) is outside of the U.S. when they turn 14, they must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of returning. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their children’s compliance.

If you entered the U.S. without inspection and admission or parole, and have not registered (i.e., not filed a registration form under 8 CFR § 264.1(a)) AND do not have evidence of registration under 8 CFR § 264.1(b), you are required to register. INA § 262 mandates registration before the expiration of thirty days after entry to the U.S.

Who does not need to register:

• Lawful permanent residents
• People paroled into the U.S. under INA § 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired
• People admitted to the U.S. as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or Form I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired
• All people present in the U.S. (except those under the age of 14), who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival
• People placed into removal proceedings
• People granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation proceedings
• People issued an Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
• Individuals who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700 and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the applications were denied.

What documents serve as proof of registration:

• I-94 or I-94W (Arrival-Departure Record, paper or electronic) – even if the admission period is expired, including:
  • People admitted with nonimmigrant visas
  • People admitted under the Visa Waiver Program (I-94W), even though not designated under 8 CFR § 264.1(b)
  • People paroled into the U.S. under INA § 212(d)(5), even if the parole period is expired
• I-95, Crewman’s Landing Permit – for crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft
• I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card – for crewmen arriving by vessel
• I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card – for Canadian citizens or British subjects residing in Canada
• I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card – for Mexican citizens residing in Mexico
• I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing – for individuals in deportation proceedings
• I-221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest of Alien
• I-551, Permanent Resident Card – for lawful permanent residents
• I-766, Employment Authorization Document – for individuals with work permits
• I-862, Notice to Appear – for individuals in removal proceedings
• I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge – for individuals in removal proceedings
• A valid, unexpired nonimmigrant DHS admission or parole stamp in a foreign passport

What happens if you do not register or carry proof:

If you willfully fail to register, you may be convicted of a misdemeanor and fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

If you fail to register and later apply for an immigration benefit or visa, the government may deny the benefit or visa on the grounds of failing to register.

Change of Address Requirement:

If you change your residence, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 30 days of imprisonment, and may result in removal—unless the failure to notify is reasonably excusable or was not willful.

We understand that this policy may feel overwhelming or confusing, and we want you to know that you're not alone. If you believe this may apply to you or someone you care about, it's very important to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney, if at all possible, to ensure you receive guidance that’s right for your specific situation.

If you have any questions or need support navigating the registration process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office at 407-802-1717. We’re here to help.