May 9, 2025

April 11, 2025 Deadline for Immigrant Registration Under Alien Registration Act

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a nationwide reminder to all noncitizens: if you’ve been in the United States for 30 days or more, you must register with the federal government by April 11, 2025, in accordance with the Alien Registration Act.

This renewed enforcement effort follows Executive Order 14159, signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, aimed to restore order and accountability within the U.S. immigration system. The order directs DHS to enforce longstanding immigration laws that had previously gone underutilized, including requiring that all foreign nationals register with the government.

This means that any noncitizen—regardless of immigration status—who has been in the U.S. for 30 days or longer as of April 11, 2025, is required to register. Failure to comply can result in criminal charges, including fines, imprisonment, or both.

Who Is Required to Register?

By April 11, 2025, the following individuals must register with USCIS:

• Foreign nationals in the U.S. for 30 days or more without proof of registration
  → Must register immediately through USCIS.
• Foreign nationals who enter the U.S. on or after April 11, 2025
  → Must register within 30 days of arrival.
• Noncitizens turning 14 years old while in the U.S.
  → Must re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of their 14th birthday—even if they were previously registered.
• Parents or guardians of children under 14
  → Must register their child if the child remains in the U.S. for more than 30 days.

Who Is Considered Registered Under U.S. Immigration Law?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the regulations at 8 CFR 264.1, certain noncitizens are considered already registered with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Registration typically involves submitting designated forms and providing fingerprints unless waived. Here’s a breakdown of who is and is not considered registered:

Who is registered:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
• Individuals paroled into the U.S. under INA §212(d)(5), even if parole has expired
• Nonimmigrants issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if their period of stay has ended
• Individuals admitted with an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa before their last arrival
• People placed in removal (deportation) proceedings by DHS
• Anyone issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Applicants for lawful permanent residence using forms like I-485, I-687, I-698, I-700 (as long as fingerprints were submitted, even if denied)
• Holders of Border Crossing Cards

Who is not registered:

• Individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection or parole and haven’t registered otherwise
• Canadian visitors who entered through land ports and didn’t receive official registration documents
• Applicants for benefits like Deferred Action or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who were not issued official registration evidence

What Happens After Registration?

Once registered, individuals will receive proof of registration from DHS. All noncitizens aged 18 or older are legally required to carry this documentation at all times.

The administration has made it clear that there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance. DHS will be prioritizing the enforcement of these requirements.

If you are a noncitizen or know someone who may be affected, it is critical to act now. The registration deadline has approached, and the consequences for failing to comply can be severe.

If you need immigration advice, assistance with determining your registration status, or have questions about any aspect of the immigration process, don’t hesitate to contact Bailey Immigration. Our experienced team is here to help. Call us today at 503-224-0950 for trusted guidance and support.