USCIS Enforces the Alien Registration Requirement: What Noncitizens Need to Know

USCIS Website

If you're a noncitizen living in the United States, there's an important rule you need to know about: the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR). USCIS has recently announced that they are now actively enforcing this requirement for many noncitizens — though not all.

In this article, we explain:

• What the ARR is

• Who it applies to

• How to register

• What risks and benefits come with compliance or noncompliance

Let’s get started!

What Is the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR)?

Under U.S. immigration law, any noncitizen age 14 or older who has been in the U.S. for 30 days or more must register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), unless they already registered and were fingerprinted during a previous visa or immigration process.

For children under 14, the responsibility falls on the parent or legal guardian to ensure registration.

Who Is Already Considered Registered?

If you fall into one of the categories below, you are likely already registered — but you must carry proof at all times:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)

• People with a valid or expired work permit (even if it's expired)

• Individuals who entered legally and received an I-94 (even if it is now expired)

• Individuals paroled into the U.S. (even if parole has expired)

• Individuals currently in immigration court proceedings

• Individuals with a pending I-485 (adjustment of status) application

Examples of proof: your work permit card, your expired I-94, or your USCIS receipt notice.

Who is supposed to register?

Individuals who entered the U.S. undocumented and do not fall into one of the categories above are supposed to register once they have been in the US for 30 days or more.

How to Register with USCIS

To comply with the ARR, individuals need to:

1. Create a USCIS account at uscis.gov

2. Complete Form G-325R (Biographic Information)

   • Includes information like address, parental history, immigration history, and criminal background

   • Please note: Not all fields are mandatory

3. Attend a biometrics appointment (scheduled by USCIS)

   • You will be fingerprinted and photographed

4. Receive proof of registration in your USCIS account

   • Registrants are supposed to carry this proof at all times

     
     

What Happens If I Don’t Register?

Failure to comply with the ARR can result in serious consequences, including:

• Criminal penalties: Fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both

• Negative impact on immigration applications: USCIS may delay or deny pending cases

• Deportation risk: You may be detained or placed in immigration court proceedings

  
  

What Happens If I Do Register?

While registration fulfills your legal obligation, it’s important to know that it can carry risks, especially if:

• You have no pending immigration case and/or

• You have a criminal history

The government may use the information you provide to initiate immigration enforcement actions.

Important: Registration does NOT provide legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit.

If you have a criminal history, consult both an immigration attorney and a criminal defense attorney before registering.

Change of Address Requirement

USCIS requires that all individuals subject to the ARR report any change of address within 10 days. Failure to do so can result in:

• Misdemeanor charges

• Fines up to $5,000

• Imprisonment for up to 30 days

• Possible deportation

Unless you can prove it was unintentional or reasonably excusable, failure to report a change of address is a deportable offense.

What Should You Do Now?

✔️ If you are already considered registered, carry proof with you at all times

✔️ If you are not yet registered:

• Consult an immigration attorney before submitting any forms

• Discuss your criminal history (if any) with a qualified lawyer

✔️ For everyone:

• Stay informed through official immigration channels

• Avoid relying on social media, rumors, or "notarios"

  
  

Need personalized legal advice? Contact our office at 213-772-3082 to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation.