USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S.

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On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strictly enforce the long-standing Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA §262). While this requirement has existed for decades, recent guidance and new USCIS procedures signal renewed enforcement—making compliance more important than ever.

What Is the Alien Registration Requirement?

Under U.S. immigration law, most noncitizens (“aliens” under the INA) are required to register with the federal government and submit fingerprints if they meet certain criteria. Registration is not optional, and failure to comply may result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines or incarceration.

Who Is Required to Register?

With limited exceptions, you must register if you:

Are 14 years of age or older
Were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa
Have remained in the United States for 30 days or longer

Additional obligations include:

Parents or legal guardians must ensure that children under 14 are registered
Individuals who were registered as children must re-register within 30 days of turning 14
Noncitizens 18 years or older must carry proof of registration at all times

How Do You Register?

USCIS has introduced a new form and online process to facilitate compliance:

Form G-325R (Biographic Information – Registration)
An online registration process through USCIS
A USCIS Alien Registration Requirement Determination Tool to help individuals assess whether registration is required

Once registration and fingerprinting (if required) are completed, DHS will issue evidence of registration.

Important Limitations to Understand

It is critical to note that registration does not:

Grant or change immigration status
Provide employment authorization
Create any immigration benefit or legal right

Registration is strictly a compliance obligation, not an immigration remedy.

What concerns you most about the new NTA trends?

Is it the unpredictability, the shortened timelines, or the increased enforcement risk for otherwise compliant workers and employers?

What Happens If You Do Not Comply?

Failure to comply with the Alien Registration Requirement may result in:

Criminal and civil penalties
Misdemeanor prosecution
Fines and possible incarceration

The Executive Order explicitly directs DHS to treat noncompliance as an enforcement priority, increasing the risk for individuals who fail to register when required.

Why This Matters Now

Many noncitizens were previously unable to register due to the lack of a clear process. With the introduction of Form G-325R and USCIS’s online tools, DHS has made it clear that lack of access is no longer an excuse. Enforcement is expected to increase, making proactive compliance essential.

Need help understanding your registration obligations?

The Alien Registration Requirement can be confusing, especially for individuals who were never registered or are unsure whether an exception applies. Determining whether you must register—and how to do so correctly—can help you avoid serious legal consequences.

Set up a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.