On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order (Protecting the American People Against Invasion) that directed DHS to require non-citizens over the age of 14 to register with DHS. Details of how the registration process will be completed has not been released yet, but DHS has encouraged non-citizens to set up USCIS accounts to prepare for the registration process.
Who Needs to be Registered
- All non-U.S. citizens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer. They must apply before the expiration of those 30 days.
- The parents and legal guardians of non-U.S. citizens less than 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, prior to the expiration of those 30 days.
- Any non-U.S. citizens, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States, within 30 days after their 14th birthday.
Who has already been registered?
Most non-U.S. citizens who have already been issued certain immigration or non-immigrant documents (such as lawful permanent residents and visa holders) would have had their fingerprints taken at the visa interview or biometrics appointments. People who have already been fingerprinted do not have to be registered again.
A list of visa classes that require fingerprinting at the time of obtaining the visa can be found here.
Registration Process
It’s not confirmed yet but non-U.S. citizens who are required to be registered will likely need to attend a service center appointment where they will be fingerprinted. Once registered, DHS will issue evidence of registration, which must be carried with the person at all times.
Who is this targeting?
- Non-U.S. citizens who are present in the United States without inspection and admission or inspection and parole;
- Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration; and,
- Non-U.S. citizens who submitted one or more benefit requests to USCIS not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status, who were not issued evidence of registration.
Consequence of Non-Registration
DHS has not stated the consequences of failure to register yet, but it will likely result in fines or jail time.
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