The New Registration Requirement: Frequently Asked Questions

Registration is a process of notifying the government of your presence in the U.S. as a noncitizen. The requirement to “register” is in our immigration laws but has been rarely used. President Trump announced they will use this requirement for all noncitizens.  

The law requires all noncitizens over age 14 who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more to register. (The law instructs parents to register those that are under age 14.) The law requires people to register before the 30-day period ends. The government posted a new form on the USCIS website for those that are not yet registered to use, Form G-325R.

The government created the new Form G-325R. Form G-325R went into effect on April 11, 2025. It can only be accessed and submitted online. There is no other way to submit this form, and the Form is in English. A person must create an online account with USCIS to submit this form, which requires an email address. This form is only for those that are not already registered or cannot register by filing a different application. While the law seems to say people should register within the first 30 days of entering the U.S., the government has not given a deadline to comply with the new rule.

Many people do not need to submit this form. See #4. 

No. Registration does not grant permission to stay in the United States. Once you register, the government will know you are here. If you do not have permission to stay, DHS says they will take steps to deport you.  

You might be! Many people that have had contact with immigration officials or submitted applications are already registered.

The following documents count as registration: 

• A green card. If you are a permanent resident, you are registered. 

• A work permit, even if it is now expired. If you have an employment authorization card, for any reason, you are registered. 

• An I-94. If you got an I-94 document, or received an I-94 electronically, when you entered the United States, you are registered. This includes entries with parole or a visa. If you got an I-94 when you got status, such as asylee, or U nonimmigrant, you are registered. 

• An NTA. If you were issued a Notice to Appear in immigration court, you are registered. If you were issued an Order to Show cause (OSC) or a referral to the immigration judge, you are registered. 

• A Border Crossing Card. 

• A Landing Permit as a crewman. 

• If you have applied for lawful permanent residence or temporary residence you are registered, even if that application was denied. (Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700) 

If you are already registered, you do not need to register now. You do not need to turn in Form G-325R.

There are many risks to submitting the new Form G-325R. You should speak to an immigration attorney if you have questions. What is best for you will depend on your situation.

You may already be registered and not know it.  

• Talk to an immigration attorney before deciding.  

I am eligible for an immigration status or benefit. 

• Certain immigration documents count as registration. If you qualify for an immigration benefit, such as adjustment of status, you might want to apply for the benefit now, because it might count as registration. It is important to get an immigration check-up with a trusted legal services provider to find out. You can find a nonprofit organization near you at  ilrc.me/findhelp. 

I don’t qualify for an immigration benefit or status. I am undocumented. 

• If you are in the U.S. without immigration status, you might already have a document that counts for registration. If you are already in immigration court fighting your case, you are registered. For example, if the government gave you a document to appear in immigration court, you are registered. If you have an I-94 from entering the U.S., you are registered.  

Submitting the new Form G-325R presents many risks. You should speak to an immigration attorney about your situation before submitting the Form online. You should also get an immigration check-up to see if you might qualify for an immigration benefit. 
 

The registration form asks for your address, information about you, your family, and immigration status, among other things. If you have no immigration status, immigration enforcement will know you are in the U.S. and the government says they will take steps to deport you. You may be detained.   
 
If you do register, consider getting a safe address for mail, such as a P.O. Box, to ensure you can receive notices. Note that the form requires information about your physical address.  

The Form also requires information about whether you have committed any crimes. You may be charged with a crime based on the information you put on this form. This includes charges for illegal entry, criminal conduct such as use of controlled substances (including marijuana), and other crimes. 

Yes, you have rights! The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution protects everyone in the U.S. from making statements that might incriminate them in a crime. Many people have a 5th Amendment right not to submit the online Form G-325R because the Form requires you to divulge criminal activity, including information about having entered the United States unlawfully. Presently, there is no method provided by USCIS to turn in the Form and leave these questions blank. Instead, questions about entry and criminal activities are required. We believe it is your right to invoke your 5th Amendment right not to answer these questions and not to submit the current online form which requires answers.

If you do apply for an immigration benefit and have not registered, DHS could use a failure to register as a negative factor in deciding your case.  

If you do not register, the government can charge you with a misdemeanor crime if your failure to register was willful (that is, on purpose). This could result in a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.  

If you are out in public, a government official must have a reason to believe you are a noncitizen. They cannot just guess based on the color of your skin, your job, or where you are located. You have the right to remain silent. You can show the ICE officer a red card or say “I am exercising my right to stay silent, am I free to go?” If you are in your home, you have the right not to let ICE officers into your home and not to answer the door unless they show you a warrant signed by a judge.  

You can print a red card here: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards and access more Know Your Rights tools at https://www.ilrc.me/protect.

There may be other requirements you are required to fulfill with Immigration. Check with an attorney about your best next steps. 

Here is another resource you can read for more information on the registration requirement: 

https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-trumps-registration-requirement-for-immigrants/