Understanding the New Alien Registration Requirement by USCIS
If you are a non-citizen living in the United States, the new USCIS alien registration requirement may directly affect your immigration status — and ignoring it could have serious consequences. On June 28, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced sweeping updates to the Alien Registration Requirement under Executive Order 14359, “Protecting the American People Against Irregular Migration.” These changes expand who must register, introduce the new Form G-325B, and set strict deadlines for non-citizen registration requirements in the United States. Read on to understand exactly what the rule requires, who is exempt, and what steps you should take today.
Who Needs to Register?
With limited exceptions, all aliens (non-citizens) aged 18 or older who were not previously registered and issued an Alien Registration Number must now register with USCIS.
Individuals who must register include:
- Aliens who entered the United States on or after June 24, 2025, and were not already registered.
- Individuals granted lawful permanent resident status who did not receive an Alien Registration Number.
- Aliens in removal proceedings who were not registered upon entry.
- Foreign nationals granted certain types of immigration relief, including asylum or temporary protected status (TPS).
If an individual has previously received an A-Number from USCIS, they are already registered and do not need to apply again.
Who is Exempt from Registration?
The updated requirement does not apply to the following individuals:
-
Nonimmigrants
who entered on temporary visas (e.g., tourists, students, and work visa holders) unless they adjust their status.
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Diplomatic personnel
and foreign government officials.
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Military personnel and their dependents
from certain allied nations under special agreements.
-
Non-citizens already assigned an Alien Registration
Number prior to June 24, 2025.
How to Register for Alien Registration?
Non-citizens required to register must follow a three-step process:
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Create a USCIS Online Account
- Registration begins by creating an account at USCIS.gov.
- This account allows users to track their case status and receive important updates.
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Submit Form G-325B
- The Alien Registration Form (G-325B) must be completed and submitted online.
- Required documents include proof of identity, U.S. entry records, and any prior immigration-related documents.
Fees may apply based on immigration status and processing category.
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Attend Biometrics and Interview (If Required)
- Some applicants may be required to attend a USCIS field office for fingerprinting and an interview.
- Individuals under review for removal proceedings or asylum claims may be subject to additional verification.
Consequences of Not Registering
Not registering on time can seriously harm your immigration case. Here is what may happen if you miss the deadline:
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Loss of key immigration benefits
including work permits, the ability to adjust your status, or the right to apply for naturalization.
-
Civil and criminal penalties
potentially including fines of up to $2,000 and the start of removal proceedings.
-
Loss of humanitarian protections
such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum, or other forms of relief.
Updates for Registered Aliens
Once registered, non-citizens must:
- Notify USCIS within 10 days of any address change.
- Carry proof of registration if required by law.
- Report any lost or stolen Alien Registration documents immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Alien Registration Requirement
Does this new rule apply to lawful permanent residents (green card holders)?
Most lawful permanent residents already received an A-Number alien registration number when their green card was issued, which means they are already registered and generally do not need to re-register under the updated rule. However, if you received lawful permanent resident status through an unusual pathway and were never assigned an A-Number, you may need to complete the new USCIS alien registration process. An immigration attorney can confirm your status.
What is Executive Order 14359 and why does it matter?
Executive Order 14359 immigration compliance requirements direct federal agencies, including USCIS, to more strictly enforce existing alien registration laws under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically 8 U.S.C. § 1301–1306. The Order signals a broader enforcement posture, which means non-citizens who are out of compliance — even unintentionally — could face heightened scrutiny.
What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
Missing the deadline could result in civil fines, criminal penalties, or complications with future immigration applications. USCIS has not publicly announced a grace period, so acting promptly is important. If you believe you may have already missed a deadline, consult an attorney before submitting any forms — a lawyer can assess whether any mitigating factors apply to your situation.
Can I register on my own, or do I need an attorney?
Technically, individuals can submit Form G-325B on their own through USCIS.gov. However, immigration cases vary widely, and a form that looks straightforward may have hidden complexities — especially for people with prior removal orders, prior visa violations, or pending applications. As we note in our post on why paperwork alone does not equal protection, completing a form is not the same as protecting your rights.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Knowing the rule exists is only the first step. Below is a practical checklist to help you take action and protect your immigration status under the updated USCIS alien registration process.
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Check Whether You Are Already Registered
Review any immigration documents you have received from USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If any document shows an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) — a nine-digit number starting with the letter “A” — you are likely already registered. You do not need to register again.
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Gather Your Documents Before You Apply
If you do need to register, gather the following before you start the online process:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, consular ID, etc.)
- Your U.S. entry records or travel history
- Any prior USCIS or immigration court documents
- Your current U.S. address and contact information
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Be Cautious About Who Helps You
Immigration paperwork can feel overwhelming, and many people turn to “notarios” or online services for help. However, only a licensed attorney can give you legal advice, spot problems with your case, and represent you if issues arise. Relying on unauthorized help with a federal registration requirement could put your immigration status at serious risk. Learn more about the risks of hiring a notario or a cheaper, unlicensed preparer before you proceed.
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Consult an Immigration Attorney
If you are unsure whether you need to register, whether you qualify for an exemption, or whether your past immigration history could complicate the process, speaking with a qualified immigration attorney before submitting anything is the safest course of action. A single error on Form G-325B could have lasting consequences for your lawful permanent resident alien registration status or pending applications.
These new rules represent one of the biggest shifts in the U.S. immigration system in recent years. The U.S. government’s push for stricter border security and immigration compliance means that staying registered — and staying current — matters more than ever. If you or someone in your family may be affected, do not wait. Taking action now could protect your status and your future in the United States. Many clients also ask us whether acting late on an immigration matter disqualifies them — read our post on why acting late doesn’t mean lost, but it does mean harder for perspective.
For legal guidance on Alien Registration or other immigration concerns, The Grande Law Firm is here to help. Contact us at +1 (310) 713-2334 or email info@thegrandelawfirm.com for assistance. You can also learn more about why choosing the right immigration attorney from the beginning can make a lasting difference in your case.
