Update on DHS Registration Requirements

Pursuant to a 1940 law, every foreign national who will be in the US for 30 days or longer must be registered and fingerprinted. They are also required to carry proof of such registration at all times. This law has not been regularly enforced. However, a new process to register began on April 11, 2025, which requires that all foreign nationals who did not enter the United States with a visa are required to register with the federal government.

Questions about your immigration status? Call (470) 428-3200 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with one of Antonini & Cohen’s Atlanta immigration attorney.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how.

Who Needs to Register?

Many foreign nationals, including some who lack formal legal status, are already considered registered (see “Who is Considered to Have Already Registered,” below.) Any other foreign national who enters the United States and plans to stay for 30 days or longer must register before the expiration of the 30 days. This includes:

• Canadians who enter at a land border and are not issued a Form I-94

• Individuals who entered without inspection and have not yet registered

• Children who turn 14 years old while in the United States, who must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

Parents or legal guardians are required to register their children who were not registered upon visa application and who will remain in the US for 30 days or longer.

What if You Are Undocumented?

If you entered the US without inspection and do not have legal status, you are required to register as a non-citizen. Registering does not grant legal status and may result in being detained and placed in removal proceedings. Failure to register may result in civil and criminal penalties.

Who is Considered to Have Already Registered?

Immigrants who have already registered include the following:

• Lawful permanent residents (LPRs)

• People paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired

• People 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

• All people present in the United States (except those under the age of fourteen) who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival

• People whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings

• People issued an employment authorization document (EAD) 

• People 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

• People issued Border Crossing Cards

Individuals Who are Exempt from the Requirement

• Visa holders who have been already registered and fingerprinted through their application for a visa

• A visa holders

• G visa holders

• Those in US for less than 30 days

• If an LPR is outside of the US when he turns 14, the individual must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of return

• American Indians born in Canada who possess at least 50% blood of the American Indian race who are present in the US under the authority of 8 USC 1359

What Happens Next?

If you are not already registered, you will have to submit Form G-325R through the USCIS Website. Once registered, it’s imperative to always carry proof of your registration with you. Failure to register or using false documents may result in criminal penalties.

Discover your options for securing and maintaining legal immigration status. Call (470) 428-3200 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with one of Antonini & Cohen’s Atlanta immigration attorney.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how.

Source: 

American Immigration Lawyers Association. (2025a, April 25). Understanding Alien Registration Requirements.