USCIS has promulgated a new regulation, effective April 11, 2025, that governs the requirements of noncitizens who are present in the United States. While many of the requirements are not new law, most had not been enforced and, even when they were, the penalties were not severe. The new penalties for noncompliance include large fines, imprisonment, and even deportation. Please take the time to carefully read the requirements below.

Certain foreign nationals staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more must register their presence by completing Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration). Foreign nationals who are deemed registered include permanent residents, nonimmigrants who were issued an I-94, those issued an employment authorization document, and adjustment of status applicants who have been fingerprinted. Proof of registration includes an I-94, green card, and employment authorization document. Failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties including fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both. There may be difficulties as well in obtaining future immigration benefits for failing to comply with the requirement. A and G visa holders are exempt from the registration requirement.

Parents of children turning 14 who were previously exempt through automatic compliance must affirmatively register their children within 30 days of their 14th birthday. This means even children who already have their green card must affirmatively register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

Parents of children under the age of 14 who do not fall within an exempt category (lack an I-94 or green card) will need to affirmatively register their children and ensure they are compliant with the registration requirement. Generally, this applies only to children who entered without inspection and to Canadian children who entered without an I-94 and remain in the United States for 30 days or more.