What to know about the Alien Registration Requirement:
- As of April 11, individuals who have never had contact with immigration authorities are now required to register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through a new online process.
- In addition to registration, the government requires that all individuals in the U.S. for 30 days or more report all changes of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving.
- Registering does not provide legal protection or prevent deportation.
- The personal information submitted can be used against you in immigration or criminal proceedings. There are serious risks associated with both registering and not registering.
- Seek legal advice before taking action; do not register without understanding the potential consequences.
On April 11, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mandated that undocumented immigrants log their personal and immigration histories through a USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) online system called the Alien Registration Requirement. Although the requirement to register has been law for decades, there was previously no process for undocumented individuals to comply. The administration has now implemented this new online registration form and process for those not already registered.
Also Read: How to Change Your Address with Immigration Agencies
Advocates and immigration attorneys have raised significant concerns about the mandate and how it may affect due process. The New York Immigration Coalition warns that the register could “lead to detention, deportation, and possibly criminal prosecution,” the group said in a report.
According to Newsweek, the Trump administration announced on April 29 that 47,000 undocumented immigrants had so far come forward to notify the government of their presence. Here’s what we know so far about the Alien Registration Requirement and what you should know about how it may be used.
What is the Alien Registration Requirement?
If you entered the U.S. without a visa, and have never been in contact with immigration authorities, the Alien Registration Requirement may apply to you. In addition, if you entered the U.S. with a visa when you were under 14, you are supposed to be fingerprinted upon turning 14 to comply with the registration rule.
The registration process involves creating an online account with USCIS, filling out Form G-325R with personal information, going to a fingerprinting appointment and receiving a “Proof of Alien Registration” document.
Registration does not:
- Grant you legal status
- Grant you work authorization
- Protect you from detention or deportation
In fact, registration can result in DHS detaining and deporting you.
If you have a green card, asylum, TPS, or DACA with a work permit, you may already be registered and don’t need to do anything. If you’re unsure, get legal advice before taking action.
Also Read: What is CBP Home: A U.S. Government App to Help Migrants Self-Deport
What information do I have to share when I register?
To register, you’ll need to fill out Form G-325R online through a USCIS account. The form asks for a lot of personal and family details, including:
- Your full name
- Current and past U.S. addresses from the last five years
- Date and country of birth
- Citizenship or nationality
- Immigration history, including when you arrived in the U.S.
- What you’ve done in the U.S., what you plan to do, and how long you plan to stay
- Physical traits like gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color
- Any criminal history (arrests or convictions)
- Information about your spouse and parents (names, birthdates, countries of birth)
The government will keep this information on record. While their goals for gathering this information are unclear, some advocates say that it could lead to detention, deportation or criminal prosecution.
Are there risks of registering?
According to a February 25 press release, this database is meant to track and monitor individuals and, ultimately, to “compel” them to leave the country voluntarily.
- Registering could expose you to deportation. The government might use your information to find, arrest and remove you from the country.
- They may also pressure you to leave voluntarily.
- You could get a letter from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) asking you to show up at one of their offices. If you go, ICE might detain you, arrest you or put you into deportation proceedings.
- If you can’t prove you’ve been in the U.S. for more than two years, ICE could try to deport you quickly without seeing a judge through something called expedited removal.
According to Summer Immigration Law, registering could also make you vulnerable to criminal charges related to immigration, as registrants might disclose information that could be used against them in future immigration or criminal proceedings. Those who reveal they are out of status or have committed immigration violations could be placed into removal proceedings, and some may face detention during or after registration.
What could happen to me if I do not register?
If you don’t register, you might face serious consequences. Any interaction with law enforcement — whether with ICE or local police — could lead to immigration detention, deportation, and even criminal charges. Being undocumented, even if you are registered, any interaction with ICE or local police could have the same result.
The government has said it may prosecute people under several federal misdemeanor offenses related to this requirement:
- Failure to register: punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or up to six months in jail.
- Failure to carry proof of registration: punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or up to 30 days in jail.
- Failure to report a change of address within 10 days: punishable by a fine of up to $200 or up to 30 days in jail.
What should I do?
First, there is no deadline on this, so do not register without getting advice from a qualified legal representative.
Check if you’re already considered registered. If you were registered when you were under 14 but were not fingerprinted, you may need to be fingerprinted to comply with the registration rule.
Also, get a legal consultation if you’re unsure as submitting to this registry can have serious consequences. Finally, stay informed and protect yourself — this rule may change again or face legal challenges.
Also Read: Pro-Bono Lawyers And Free Legal Services in New York Immigration Courts
The information presented here does not constitute legal advice. It’s also important to note that immigration policies are changing very frequently right now. For case-specific guidance and information, we recommend that you consult a qualified immigration lawyer or accredited representative.
