USCIS Launches New Tool to Help Immigrants Comply with Alien Registration Rules

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out an online self-assessment tool aimed at assisting immigrants, both legal and undocumented, in complying with a renewed mandate to register their biometric information.

This comes under an executive order signed during Donald Trump’s presidency, enforcing longstanding requirements of the Alien Registration Act of 1940.

What Is Alien Registration?

Alien Registration refers to the process through which non-U.S. citizens must report personal information, including biometric data like fingerprints and home addresses, to the U.S. government.

The Alien Registration Act made it mandatory for all foreign nationals in the United States, regardless of legal status, to register with immigration authorities. The law had fallen into disuse for decades, especially for undocumented immigrants, but it is now being re-enforced through modern tools and online tracking.

Who Needs to Register?

According to USCIS, the following categories of individuals are now required to register:

All immigrants aged 14 and older without legal status in the U.S.
Legal immigrants who have not undergone biometric vetting (e.g., fingerprints, photos) upon arrival.
Individuals who have not interacted with USCIS through asylum applications, work permits, or other legal processes.

Even legal residents may be affected if their entry into the U.S. predates certain biometric procedures. Hence, the online tool is designed to help each individual understand their specific obligations.

How the New USCIS Tool Works

The USCIS’s online tool functions like a survey or self-assessment. Users answer a series of questions that determine whether they are required to file Form G-325R: Biometric Information (Registration).

“We just launched a new tool to help aliens determine if they need to comply with the Alien Registration Requirement,” said USCIS in an official tweet.

Advertisement

Once the survey is complete, users are directed to the next steps, which may include biometric appointments, fingerprinting, and proof of registration. Those who complete the process will be issued a registration document, which must be carried at all times by individuals aged 18 and above.

📝 Learn more and access Form G-325R here

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

Failing to comply with the Alien Registration requirement can have serious legal consequences, including:

Fines and jail time
Deportation
Being barred from re-entering the U.S. in the future
Additional legal penalties for not carrying registration documents

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that enforcement will be strict. “We will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of all Americans,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Why Is This Being Enforced Now?

The Trump administration’s goal behind enforcing this registration was to identify individuals living unlawfully in the United States who have not yet come into contact with immigration authorities.

“As we approach the 100-day mark of President Trump’s presidency, we have already seen tens of thousands of aliens come forward to register – a remarkable feat,” said USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser.

This enforcement echoes past policies, including a controversial registry created during George W. Bush’s presidency after 9/11, which targeted men and boys from Muslim-majority countries. Critics argue these policies increase fear and mistrust within immigrant communities.

Concerns and Legal Challenges

While the policy aims to increase national security, immigrant advocates and legal experts have raised concerns about its implications. Registering could potentially make it easier for the government to track and deport undocumented immigrants.

Legal challenges have already emerged, but courts have allowed the rule to go forward. The tension between enforcement and personal safety remains at the heart of this policy debate.

What Immigrants Should Do Now

If you’re a non-citizen living in the U.S., it’s crucial to check your registration requirement using the USCIS online tool. Staying compliant with current immigration laws is the safest course of action to avoid penalties and legal trouble.

Key Actions for Immigrants: