In 2025, the U.S. government introduced “new” alien registration requirements that affect many foreign nationals, including visa holders and permanent residents. The rules are part of ongoing efforts by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to strengthen immigration enforcement and improve how immigration status is tracked.
The updated rules require many noncitizens to attend appointments and submit registration documents and forms as proof of lawful admission. These steps can apply to individuals in removal proceedings, those seeking an immigration benefit, or those with nonimmigrant visas. A Duluth immigration lawyer can explain the details and how to comply.
Key Updates in the 2025 Alien Registration Process
Recent changes to alien registration have focused on expanding background checks, improving data collection, and creating a clearer process for submitting proof of registration. These updates affect many categories of noncitizens, including those seeking adjustment of status, those in removal proceedings, and those applying for immigration benefits.
Biometric Data and Fingerprinting
As part of the registration process, individuals may now be required to complete fingerprinting through a USCIS Application Support Center. This applies even to those who have already submitted fingerprints in the past.
New and Updated Forms
Some of the required forms include:
- Form G-325R: Biographic Information – Registration
- Form I-94: Arrival-Departure Record
- I-766: Employment Authorization Document
- Form I-485: Application for Status as Permanent Resident
These registration documents must be submitted by certain deadlines. They also often require supporting documentation, such as proof of admission and evidence of registration listed in immigration records.
Online Registration and Appointment Notices
The 2025 updates encourage many applicants to complete the registration process online. However, this process may still involve an in-person appointment or interview. USCIS will issue a biometric appointment notice or fingerprinting request through mail or the applicant’s USCIS online account. Attendance at these appointments is mandatory.
It may be convenient to have an attorney by your side as you face these changes. An Immigration lawyer can do many things, from answering questions to representing you in immigration hearings.
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Who Must Register?
Not every person in the U.S. is subject to alien registration rules, but many foreign nationals must comply with the new policies. This includes individuals with lawful immigration status, those in deportation proceedings, and some undocumented immigrants.
Categories That May Be Required to Register
- Holders of nonimmigrant visas, such as student or work visas
- Permanent residents, including those with pending I-485 applications
- Children of noncitizens, particularly when they are derivative beneficiaries
- Alien crewmen, including those with an I-184 or I-95 Crewmen’s Landing Permit
- People with pending asylum or refugee applications (I-590)
- Individuals seeking employment authorization or adjustment of status
Guardians of children who are foreign nationals may also have to register on behalf of the minor. In certain cases, registration documents must reflect both the child’s and the guardian’s details. Unregistered aliens may face immigration consequences, including civil penalties or the institution of deportation proceedings.
How Long Do I Have to Comply With the “New” Alien Registration Requirements?
The updated Alien Registration Requirement has specific timelines. These periods vary depending on a person’s immigration status, how they entered the country, and the type of immigration benefit they are applying for.
For example, individuals entering the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa (such as a Border Crossing Card or crewman permit) may be required to submit documentation like Form G-325R, Form I-94, or an Alien Crewman Landing Permit (I-184) within 30 days of admission.
Others, such as those applying for adjustment of status using Form I-485, may have different registration deadlines depending on when their application for status is filed. Those in removal proceedings or with pending deportation cases might also be subject to shorter deadlines due to ongoing immigration enforcement actions, such as the Laken Riley Act.
Timeframes You Should Be Aware Of
Common timing expectations under the updated registration rules include:
- 30 days: Many foreign nationals must register within 30 days of arrival.
- At the time of application: For those seeking an employment authorization document (EAD) or filing an I-485 Application for Status, registration documentation may be due with the initial application.
- Ongoing obligations: Some individuals may need to update their registration status or submit new registration documents if their immigration history changes.
Because the timeline can vary, it’s important for people in immigrant communities—including children, derivative beneficiaries, and guardians of children—to understand their responsibilities under the law.
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Ramifications of Non-compliance
Failure to register as required under U.S. immigration law can lead to serious legal consequences. Immigration officers are allowed to check for proper registration during border inspections, traffic stops, or other contact with law enforcement. If an individual does not have valid registration documentation, they may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, such as:
- Civil penalties may include fines or denial of an immigration benefit.
- Criminal penalties can involve misdemeanor charges and jail time.
- A misdemeanor offense for failing to register can result in up to 6 months of imprisonment and additional penalties under federal immigration law.
Some of the most serious outcomes may affect undocumented immigrants, including deportation, a ban on future re-entry, or placement in immigration detention. For lawful residents, non-compliance may put their green card or pending applications at risk.
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Georgia’s Immigrant Communities and Additional Concerns
Many immigrants in Georgia, including those in smaller communities, may be unaware of these recent changes. The updates apply even to people who have lived in the country for years, including Canadian citizens, British subjects, or long-term visa holders.
Those with legal status must still maintain updated registration records. This includes having the proper registration forms and travel authorization or evidence of lawful entry.
Additionally, some visa holders may not realize that even a minor misdemeanor conviction can affect their immigration status. Fingerprinting requirements separate from the initial visa application may uncover a criminal history that triggers additional penalties.
An Immigration Lawyer Can Answer Your Questions
The “new” alien registration requirements include specific rules, biometric appointments, documentation deadlines, and legal risks. Whether you are applying for permanent residence, facing removal proceedings, or simply trying to understand how these policies may impact your family, legal guidance can help you understand your options.
While this article provides general information, our legal team at Barrios Virguez Attorneys can review your immigration record, forms, and application status. You may also qualify for limited exceptions or special programs based on humanitarian concerns or past immigration history.
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