Registration Requirement for All Noncitizens Takes Effect April 11, 2025
On April 11, 2025, the Trump administration’s Alien Registration Requirement went into effect. All noncitizens ages 14 and older are now required to “register” with the U.S. government in accordance with the published procedures and carry proof of their registration at all times.
All Lawful Permanent Residents (“green card” holders) and most nonimmigrants are already “registered” for the purposes of this requirement. Noncitizen children who turn 14 while in the United States are generally required to submit a new registration to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if they were previously registered.
Noncitizens in the following categories are deemed to be “registered” and do not need to take additional action:
- lawful permanent residents;
- noncitizens who were admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired;
- noncitizens who are present in the United States who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival;
- noncitizens who have been issued an employment authorization document (EAD);
- noncitizens who have been issued Border Crossing Cards;
- noncitizens who were paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired;
- noncitizens 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; and
- noncitizens who have been placed into removal proceedings
In addition to registering, all noncitizens must carry proof of registration at all times. Common documents that serve as proof of registration include, but are not limited to:
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record;
- Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card;
- Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD); and
- Form I-185 or I-186, Nonresident Alien Border Crossing Card.
For noncitizens who were not previously registered or are required to register after turning 14, the USCIS will issue documentation that serves as proof of registration after the registration is processed and the registrant is fingerprinted. If required, noncitizens may register by submitting a Form G-325R through their individual USCIS online account.
Apart from the new registration requirement, noncitizens have always been required to report their change of address to the USCIS within 10 days of moving. This requirement has historically not been enforced but the Trump administration has indicated that it will impose fines for willful failure to file a change of address (How to Change Your Address | USCIS).
If you have any questions regarding the registration requirement, reporting change of address or any other immigration matter, we encourage you to contact your Vorys attorney.