In response to a recent executive order, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reinforcing their requirement that all non-U.S. citizens register with the U.S. government in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1302).
Under U.S. law, most non-U.S. citizens already comply with this requirement. However, a significant number of individuals currently residing in the U.S. have not yet registered due to a lake of a direct process.
The new process ensures that all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, must apply for registration and fingerprinting. The parents/legal guardians must register children under the age of 14.
Once registered, DHS will issue evidence of registration which all aliens 18 years or older must always have in their possession. Registration is not an immigration status and does not grant employment authorization or any other benefit under U.S. law, but rather, it is a legal obligation for all non-U.S. citizens residing in the country.
Failure to comply will result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution and the payment of fines.
DHS will introduce a new form and process to facilitate compliance. Beginning February 25, 2025, individuals subject to this registration requirement are advised to create a USCIS online account in preparation for the forthcoming registration process.
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