If you are an immigrant living in the United States, it’s important to know that new legal requirements are about to take effect—and they could have a major impact on your future. Starting April 11, 2025, many individuals will be required to officially register with the U.S. government by completing Form G-325R, submitting fingerprints if necessary, and carrying proof of registration at all times.

This change follows President Trump’s Executive Order titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which directs immigration authorities to fully enforce alien registration laws under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Going forward, failure to comply with the new registration rules could lead to fines, detention, or even deportation.

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we know how confusing and overwhelming changes like this can be. That’s why we created this detailed guide—to walk you through everything you need to know about the new alien registration process, who it applies to, what steps you need to take, and what risks you face if you don’t comply.

If you have any questions about how these changes apply to you or your family, don’t wait to get answers. Call us today at (203) 753-7300 to schedule a confidential consultation.

What Is the Alien Registration Requirement?

Under U.S. immigration law, most immigrants who stay in the country for more than 30 days must officially register with the government. They may also need to provide fingerprints. Although this rule has existed for many years, it was rarely enforced in a strict way—until now.

President Trump’s Executive Order makes registration a much higher priority. Immigrants who do not follow the new rules could face serious consequences, including fines, detention, deportation, or trouble applying for green cards, visas, or citizenship later on.

Who Must Register Under the New Rules?

You must register if you meet any of the following conditions:

• You are 14 years of age or older and were not registered or fingerprinted when you applied for your U.S. visa, and
• You remain in the United States for 30 days or longer.

If you are under 14, your parents or legal guardians are responsible for ensuring that you are registered. In addition, anyone who turns 14 years old while already present in the U.S. must register within 30 days of their birthday—even if they were previously listed on their parents’ application or entered as a child.

Who Is Already Considered Registered?

Many immigrants may have already satisfied the registration requirement through previous immigration processes. According to DHS, the following individuals are already registered:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
• Paroled immigrants under INA 212(d)(5)
• Nonimmigrants issued a Form I-94 or I-94W (entry record)
• Aliens who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last arrival
• Individuals placed into removal proceedings
• Applicants for adjustment of status who have been fingerprinted (Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700)
• Aliens issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Border Crossing Card holders

If you fall into any of these categories and were fingerprinted and issued documentation, you may already be compliant with the new registration requirement.

What If I Am Not Registered?

If you are not registered and meet the criteria listed above, you must file Form G-325R and appear for biometrics collection if required.

Failing to register can result in:

• Civil penalties and fines
• Detention or removal proceedings
• Ineligibility for future immigration benefits
• Serious consequences for adjustment of status, naturalization, or visa renewals

The government has made clear that compliance will be aggressively enforced beginning in April 2025.

What Is Form G-325R?

Form G-325R is the designated form immigrants must complete to register under the updated rules. It collects key biographic and immigration history information and is used by DHS to verify compliance with Section 262 of the INA.

When completing Form G-325R, immigrants must provide:

• Full legal name
• Date and place of birth
• Current U.S. address
• Immigration status and history
• Employment information
• Travel history and any past encounters with immigration enforcement
• Parental information (for minors)

Applicants must also submit fingerprints unless previously waived.

Important Deadlines to Remember

• If you entered the U.S. and have been here 30 days or more without registration: you must file immediately after April 11, 2025.
• If you turn 14 years old while living in the U.S.: you must file within 30 days of your birthday.
• Parents and legal guardians must file on behalf of children under 14 within 30 days of arrival or birthdate.

Timely compliance is critical to avoid penalties.

Why Carry Proof of Registration?

Once you have registered and completed fingerprinting (if required), DHS will issue you proof of registration. If you are over the age of 18, you are required to carry your proof of registration with you at all times.

The federal government has made it clear that failing to comply with the new alien registration requirement is a serious offense. If you are required to file Form G-325R and do not take action, you could face both civil and criminal consequences under immigration law.

Here’s what could happen if you fail to register:

• Fines: You may face monetary penalties for noncompliance, which can accumulate over time if not addressed.
• Detention: Immigration officers have the authority to detain individuals who are found to be in violation of registration laws.
• Removal Proceedings: Failing to register could trigger removal (deportation) proceedings, even for individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years.
• Impact on Future Immigration Benefits: Missing this requirement can jeopardize applications for adjustment of status, cancellation of removal, citizenship, and other important benefits.
• Criminal Charges: In certain cases, criminal penalties could be pursued against those who intentionally fail to register, including possible jail time.

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we strongly advise that immigrants and their families take these new requirements seriously. Even a simple mistake or oversight could lead to unnecessary risks. Having an experienced immigration attorney review your situation can help you avoid problems before they arise.

Common Questions We’re Hearing at Our Firm

Q: What if I’m already applying for asylum, TPS, or adjustment of status?
A: If you have applied for immigration benefits like asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or adjustment of status and already completed fingerprinting as part of that process, you may be considered registered. However, not every case is automatic. It’s important to verify your specific situation because missing this registration step could still cause problems for future applications.

Q: Will this new registration rule apply to DACA recipients?
A: It could. DACA recipients who were not properly fingerprinted when applying for DACA or who have changed status may be required to register separately under the new Form G-325R process. We strongly recommend that all DACA holders consult an attorney to double-check their compliance.

Q: Does this apply to students, tourists, or business visitors (F-1, B-2, B-1 visas)?
A: Yes. If you entered the U.S. on a temporary nonimmigrant visa and remain in the United States for longer than 30 days, you may be required to register—even if your visa is still valid. Visitors often assume short stays exempt them, but as soon as you cross the 30-day mark, the law applies.

Q: Will failing to register affect my future green card or citizenship application?
A: Absolutely. USCIS is required to review your entire immigration history when you apply for adjustment of status or naturalization. Failure to comply with the registration requirement could delay or even disqualify your case. Worse, it could trigger an accusation of willful misrepresentation, which is a serious legal obstacle in immigration.

Q: How will ICE or USCIS know if I’m not registered?
A: Under the new executive order, immigration agencies are expected to coordinate data sharing and cross-reference records from visa issuances, border entries, immigration benefit applications, and biometrics databases. They can easily determine whether you complied with the registration requirement, even years after your arrival.

Q: Does registering protect me from deportation?
A: No, registration alone does not grant you any form of legal status, protection, or permission to stay in the U.S. It is simply a compliance requirement under immigration law. However, failing to register can be used as an additional reason to place you into removal proceedings. Staying in compliance protects you from facing extra penalties on top of any immigration issues you may already have.

Q: Will I receive a green card after I register?
A: No. Filing Form G-325R fulfills your obligation to register but does not change your immigration status. You would still need to pursue a separate legal pathway (such as employment-based immigration, family sponsorship, asylum, etc.) if you want to adjust your status to lawful permanent residence.

Q: Will children under 14 need to file Form G-325R themselves?
A: No. Children under 14 will need their parent or legal guardian to complete the registration process on their behalf. Once the child turns 14, however, they must apply independently within 30 days of their birthday.

How The Law Offices of James A. Welcome Can Help

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we are closely following the rollout of the alien registration enforcement order. Our team is ready to assist individuals and families in understanding:

• Whether you must register
• How to properly complete Form G-325R
• Whether you are already considered registered
• How to prepare for biometrics collection
• How to protect yourself and your immigration future

With over two decades of experience in complex immigration matters, we are here to make sure your rights are protected and your obligations are met under the law.

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we understand how stressful it can be to keep up with new immigration requirements and changing policies. With over 20 years of experience, our team is here to guide you, explain your options clearly, and help you take the right steps to stay protected. We work closely with individuals and families across Connecticut to provide trusted legal support during uncertain times.

If you have questions about the new immigrant registration rule, Form G-325R, or your immigration status, do not wait to get advice. Call The Law Offices of James A. Welcome today at (203) 753-7300 to schedule a confidential consultation. You can also visit us at www.welcomelawfirm.com to learn more about how we can help.