Recently, the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicated that it will introduce an "Alien Registration Requirement" in response to the executive order titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," signed by President Trump on his first day back in the White House. This executive order mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) strictly enforce Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), ensuring that all eligible aliens register and treating non-compliant foreign nationals as priorities for civil and criminal enforcement.
Green card holders, valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) holders, or those who have already filed Form I-485 do not need to worry, as they have already submitted fingerprints when applying for visas or immigration benefits. Furthermore, the webpage for this "Alien Registration Requirement" has not yet gone live, and specific details have not been released. USCIS is currently only reminding everyone to be prepared to register if required to do so upon future entry.
What is the "Alien Registration Requirement"?
"Alien registration" is not a new concept. In 1940, the United States passed the Alien Registration Act, requiring aliens in the U.S. to provide personal information and obtain identity documentation. Today, the Trump administration has revived this requirement as one of the core measures for national security and immigration enforcement.
According to the Immigration and Nationality Act, with few exceptions:
- Aliens aged 14 and older who did not undergo fingerprinting or registration when applying for a U.S. visa and plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more must apply for registration and fingerprinting;
- Parents or guardians of foreign children under 14 must ensure their children complete the registration;
- Previously registered foreign children must apply for re-registration and fingerprinting within 30 days after turning 14.
Please note that after alien registration and fingerprinting, the DHS will issue a registration receipt. Aliens aged 18 and older must carry this document with them at all times and keep it safe. Failure to comply may result in criminal and civil penalties, including potential misdemeanor charges and fines.
Who does not need to register again?
Most people are unfamiliar with "alien registration," but in reality, many have already completed the required fingerprinting. Those who have already provided fingerprint information when applying for a U.S. visa or specific immigration applications do not need to submit it again. This includes:
- Green card holders
- Foreign nationals who entered the U.S. under a parole program; they do not need to re-register even if the parole period has expired
- International travelers admitted to the U.S. with a valid I-94 or I-94W entry record
- Foreign nationals who have obtained an immigrant or non-immigrant visa and successfully entered the U.S.
- Foreign nationals placed in removal proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security
- Foreigners holding a U.S. EAD card
- Foreign nationals who have already filed a green card application via I-485, I-687, etc.; they do not need to re-register even if the application is denied
Individuals who previously did not register and are now highly likely to be required to do so include:
- Foreigners who entered the U.S. without inspection, such as those who entered illegally without undergoing border inspection and subsequently remained in the U.S.;
- Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. through a land port of entry and did not receive proof of registration;
- Foreigners who have submitted one or more applications to USCIS that are not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a) and have not received proof of registration, such as applicants for DACA, TPS (Temporary Protected Status), etc.
The Trump administration has consistently adopted a strict control strategy toward immigration. This implementation of the "Alien Registration" policy is not only a part of strengthening immigration management—making it more difficult for foreign nationals with adverse records to adjust their status—but may also be a prelude to even stricter measures in the future.
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