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President Trump’s Executive Order Regarding the “Alien Registration Requirement”

February 27, 2025

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” One of the significant aspects of this order is the emphasis on the alien registration requirement.

Under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), all aliens 14 years of age or older 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, must apply for registration and fingerprinting.

In line with President Trump’s Executive Order, USCIS has updated its policies regarding this requirement, with the following key updates:

1. Mandatory Registration:  All noncitizens aged 14 and older 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 must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Parents and guardians must ensure that their children below the age of 14 are registered, and children must re-register within 30 days of turning 14.
2. Evidence of Registration: Once registered and fingerprinted, DHS will issue evidence of registration, which noncitizens over the age of 18 must carry at all times.
3. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the registration requirement will result in criminal and civil penalties, including misdemeanor prosecution and fines.
4. New Registration Process: USCIS is establishing a new form and process to facilitate the registration of undocumented immigrants. This process aims to ensure that all noncitizens can meet their legal obligations under INA Section 262.

For all Canadians within the U.S., who have entered without a visa, it is important to note this registration requirement needs to be completed.

If you have any questions about how the new Alien Registration process might affect your case, please contact your attorney directly. To schedule a new consultation with one of our attorneys, please complete our consultation request form.