USA Started Registration of Foreigners Starting February 25, 2025
In a landmark move that is set to reshape immigration enforcement, President Trump has issued an executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce a long-overlooked federal law requiring all foreign nationals (aliens) in the U.S. to register with the government.
Starting February 25, 2025, non-U.S. citizens who have not yet registered must immediately comply or face civil and criminal penalties, including potential prosecution and fines.
Who Must Register – And Who’s at Risk?
According to section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), all foreign nationals 14 years and older who were not registered or fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa and have stayed in the country for more than 30 days must now apply for registration and fingerprinting.
Parents and guardians are also required to register children under 14 who remain in the U.S. beyond 30 days. Furthermore, children turning 14 must re-register within 30 days of their birthday to remain in compliance with the law.
Who Is Already Registered?
The DHS clarified that many immigrants have already met these requirements, including:
- Green Card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents)
- Visa holders who received an I-94 or an employment authorization document
- Those who applied for U.S. residency, even if denied
- Individuals placed in removal proceedings.
Who Is NOT Registered – And Could Face Consequences?
⚠️ Undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. without inspection
⚠️ Canadian visitors who entered via land border crossings and were not issued official registration documents
⚠️ DACA or Temporary Protected Status applicants who were not given official registration proof
For those in these categories, the time to act is NOW.
What’s Next? How to Register Before the Deadline
DHS will roll out an online registration process in the coming weeks. Starting February 25, 2025, affected individuals must create a USCIS online account to prepare for the upcoming registration system here https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration.
What This Means for Immigrants?
This registration does not grant any legal status, work authorization, or additional rights—it is simply a government record-keeping requirement. However, failure to comply could lead to serious legal trouble.
Immigration experts are urging all foreign nationals to verify their status immediately and ensure they are in compliance before the government begins enforcement actions.
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