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ARTICLE · 17 APRIL 2025

Always Carry Your Papers: Understanding The Alien Registration Requirement

Mayer Brown
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The alien registration requirement dates back to 1940, when Congress passed a law to require all foreign nationals to register with the federal government, provide biographic details, and carry proof of their registration.

United StatesImmigration
Grace Shie
Grace Shie
Morgan Bailey
Morgan Bailey
Maximillian L. Del Rey
Maximillian L. Del Rey
Roxanne Salas
Roxanne Salas
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WHAT IS ALIEN REGISTRATION?

The alien registration requirement dates back to 1940, when Congress passed a law to require all foreign nationals to register with the federal government, provide biographic details, and carry proof of their registration.1 In practice, however, many foreign nationals were unaware of this requirement, because the registration process effectively occurred automatically through routine visa issuance and when foreign nationals lawfully entered the United States at a port-of-entry and their arrival was recorded. The Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) served as proof of admission and registration. Additionally, those who were subject to the requirement, but were not automatically registered, had no direct way to register and meet their obligation.

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