Over the last month, we’ve heard a lot about registration—a process that the government announced to have every non-US citizen register with them. The effective date is April 11, 2025, meaning the program is now live. There are a lot of thoughts and feelings about this program, but we want to share the facts about this program with you.
Who Is Already Registered?
Many immigrants, primarily those with some form of status, already meet the requirements for registration, meaning that no further action is required after registration goes into effect.
Those who are already registered include:
- Lawful permanent residents (aka green card holders)
- Parolees, including advance parole (even if expired)
- Nonimmigrant or immigrant visa holders (even if expired)
- People who are or have been in immigration court (removal) proceedings
- Employment authorization holders, including:
- T or U BFD Status applicants or recipients (even if expired)
- DACA or TPS recipients (even if expired or if the case was denied)
- Asylum seekers (even if expired or if the case was denied)
- Refugees
- Lawful permanent residence applicants (even if the application was denied)
- Border crossing card holders or “crewman” entry status
If you fall into one of the above categories, you can stop reading and worrying about this new requirement!
Who Is Not Registered?
Some immigrants have not been automatically registered, perhaps because of how they entered, their age at the time of entry, or are from a country with different immigration agreements.
Those who have to register include:
- Individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection and do not have one of the required documents (listed below), including those who have not received their employment authorization documents yet.
- Anyone 14 or older who was not fingerprinted as part of an immigration process and has been in the U.S. for at least 30 days.
- Canadians who may not receive an I-94 entry document or have their fingerprints taken when entering the U.S.
To register, create a myUSCIS account and complete the G-325R—there is no filing fee. Please note, however, that our office cannot register for you.
What Happens if I Register?
By registering, you may be providing information that the government could use to initiate enforcement actions against you. The information USCIS receives could be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or law enforcement—in fact, the Department of Homeland Security has indicated that it may use this information to try to detain and deport individuals. Depending on your case, Immigration and ICE may send you a notice to report to an ICE office.
If that happens, you could be detained or placed into removal (deportation) proceedings. If you cannot show that you have been in the U.S. for at least two years, you could be subject to “expedited removal”—a process that allows for rapid deportation without the opportunity to see an immigration judge.
In some cases, registering could also expose individuals to criminal charges. For example, if you have been in the United States for less than five years and entered without being inspected, the government may attempt to charge you with the federal offense of illegal entry. If you were previously deported and returned without authorization, you may face charges for illegal reentry—a more serious federal offense.
What happens if I don’t register?
The government may pursue criminal charges against individuals who must register but do not comply. Previous administrations have directed federal prosecutors to prioritize these cases. This means that any contact with law enforcement—whether through ICE or local police—could potentially lead to criminal charges for failing to register, in addition to possible immigration detention or removal proceedings.
Federal misdemeanor charges related to the registration requirement include:
- Failure to register: Punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or up to six months in jail.
- Failure to carry proof of registration: Punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or up to 30 days in jail.
- Failure to notify the government of a change of address within 10 days: Punishable by a fine of up to $200 or up to 30 days in jail.
- Registering with false information: Can result in separate criminal charges and may also lead to deportation.
Remember that most immigration benefits, including visas and legal status, are discretionary. This means immigration officers may deny an application based on past actions—even if you are otherwise eligible. Failing to register when required could be used as a reason to deny future applications for immigration benefits or visas.
In Conclusion
Despite what some may say, being in the U.S. without immigration status is not a crime. It is a civil violation, similar to a speeding ticket, and does not make an individual a criminal. However, the new registration law changes this. It makes the lack of proper registration or documentation a criminal offense, allowing ICE and the administration to detain, fine, and deport people more easily.
Ultimately, we are here to provide you with the facts of the situation, but the decision of whether or not to register is yours alone. It’s a personal decision that carries risks either way. No one—not even a lawyer—can make this decision for you; you must determine what is best for you and your family.