USCIS Launches Alien Registration System

Details of the alien registration requirement, which had been announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on 25.Feb.2025, have now been released. Effective 11.Apr.2025, foreign nationals who are subject to the new registration mandate must comply with the registration requirement via an online form, G-325R.

Who is Already Registered

Most foreign nationals in the United States are already registered. If you fall into any of the following categories, and have the corresponding document, you generally do not have to register again:

• Lawful permanent residents with an I-551 card (i.e., green card)
• Foreign nationals paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired, with an I-94 card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) showing the parole into the U.S. [Such I-94 cards, which are available online for download, now reflect a code of DA.]
• Aliens admitted to the U.S. as nonimmigrants who were issued a form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired
• All aliens present in the U.S. who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visa “stamps” before their last date of arrival
• Crewmen with either a landing permit (the I-95) or a landing permit and identification card (the I-184)
• Aliens whom DHS has placed into removal or deportation proceedings [This category of registration documents includes an order to show cause with either the I-221 or I-221S designations, the form I-862 notice to appear, or a form I-863 notice of referral to immigration judge.]
• Aliens issued an employment authorization document (EAD card) [The EAD card shows the “I-766” as the USCIS form number when it is issued.]
• Aliens issued border crossing cards (BCC) [This includes the BCC issued to Mexicans with the I-186 designation, and the BCC for Canadian citizens and British subjects residing in Canada with the I-185 designation.]

In addition, there are certain forms a foreign national may have filed that are considered qualifying registration forms. For example, if you have filed a form I-485, application to adjust status, this typically would satisfy the registration requirement, even if the application was denied. However, if someone files such an application and is instructed to provide fingerprints, and then fails to provide those fingerprints as instructed, then this would not satisfy the registration requirement. A more complete list of forms that satisfy the registration requirement can be found in the interim final rule (ITR) published in the Federal Register.

Foreign Nationals Generally Required to Register

The main categories of foreign nationals who are required to register include the following:

• Aliens present in the U.S. without inspection and admission, or inspection and parole [In other words, someone who crossed the U.S. border illegally will not have registered.]
• Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration, such as an I-94 card
• Foreign nationals, whether previously registered or not, who turn 14 years old in the United States

Anyone who fits into any of these classifications, and who has not otherwise satisfied the registration requirement as detailed in the ITR, is required to register if they will be staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more. The form G-325R can only be filed online. And, along with the registration requirement, the foreign national will be required to submit fingerprints, unless the fingerprint requirement is waived by the USCIS.

Conclusion

Murthy Law Firm attorneys are available to consult on questions related to the new alien registration requirement. Any new developments regarding the registration system will be reported on MurthyDotCom.

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