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USCIS Update: Understanding the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) in 2025
The U.S. tightened immigration registration compliance following Executive Order 14159.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce long-standing federal laws that require certain noncitizens in the United States to register with the government. This move places alien registration and fingerprinting as a top DHS enforcement priority.
Below is a clear breakdown of what this means, who it affects, and how individuals can meet these requirements.
What the Executive Order Does
The order instructs DHS to ensure that all aliens comply with their registration obligations under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
In practical terms, this means:
- Registration and fingerprinting rules are proactively enforced
- Non-compliance may result in civil or criminal penalties
- DHS is treating missing registrations as a priority enforcement issue
To support this process, USCIS created a new online registration form—Form G-325R (Biographic Information)—to give individuals a direct way to fulfill the legal requirement.
Who Is Required to Register?
Under the INA, registration is required for most noncitizens who meet the following criteria:
- Are 14 years of age or older
- Were not registered and fingerprinted when they applied for a U.S. visa
- Remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer
Additionally:
- Parents or legal guardians must register children under age 14
- Individuals who turn 14 must re-register and complete fingerprinting within 30 days
- An I-94 record may serve as proof of registration in some cases
These requirements apply to all unregistered individuals who have been in the U.S. for 30+ days per stay.
How Registration Works
To comply with the updated requirements, individuals must:
- Submit Form G-325R online through a USCIS account
- Appear for fingerprinting, unless DHS waives the requirement
- Receive official evidence of registration, which:
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- Must be carried at all times by anyone age 18 or older
- Must be kept in personal possession upon request
Failure to register or carry proof can result in:
- Civil penalties
- Criminal penalties
- Misdemeanor prosecution
- Fines
- Possible incarceration
What Registration Does Not Do
It’s important to clarify what this requirement is not.
Registration does not:
- Grant immigration status
- Provide work authorization
- Offer immigration benefits
- Protect against enforcement actions
It is simply a compliance requirement under federal law.
Not Sure What This Means for You?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. The Alien Registration Requirement can feel overwhelming—especially for individuals with complex immigration histories or long stays in the U.S.
Our team can help you determine:
- Whether you need to register
- How to complete Form G-325R correctly
- What evidence you should keep on hand
- How this requirement may affect your immigration record
For guidance tailored to your situation, visit our website or schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC.