Immigration Client Alert - Registration Requirement

On March 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an Interim Final Regulation (IFR) designating a new registration form to comply with statutory alien registration requirements. The rule takes effect on April 11, 2025 and is designed to ensure compliance with the registration requirements under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302).

The rule requires foreign nationals 14 years of age or older (with limited exceptions) 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 to submit an online registration and undergo fingerprinting. In addition, individuals over the age of 18 must carry proof of registration at all times. There are significant criminal penalties for noncompliance including a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. 8 U.S.C. § 1306(a). Parents of children in the United States as nonimmigrants must