The Alien Registration Requirement has deep roots in U.S. history, originally established as a national security measure during World War II. First introduced under the Alien Registration Act of 1940, the program directed the Immigration and Naturalization Service to fingerprint and register every non-citizen aged 14 and older living in or entering the United States. Importantly, this initiative was separate from “enemy alien” registration efforts—it aimed to create a comprehensive registry of all non-citizens, regardless of nationality.

As part of the process, individuals completed the Alien Registration Form AR-2, each stamped with a unique Alien Registration Number (“A-Number”) to track their records. Between 1940 and 1944, over 5.6 million non-citizens were registered under this program. Although the AR-2 series closed in 1944, alien registration has continued through individual Alien Files (“A-Files”), a system that remains in place today.

Fast forward to 2025, President Trump’s Executive Order 14159 has intensified the enforcement of the Alien Registration Requirement, adding stricter measures and new penalties for noncompliance. Non-citizens currently residing in the United States must understand and meet their registration obligations to remain compliant with federal law. With almost 47,000 submissions as of April 29, USCIS is extensively promoting public awareness of this requirement and the penalties for non-compliance.

Understanding U.S. Alien Registration Requirements Today

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, non-citizens are legally required to register with the federal government and obtain an Alien Registration Number. Registration involves providing biographic information, completing fingerprinting if required, and receiving official documentation from the Department of Homeland Security as evidence of lawful status.

This documentation must be carried at all times and presented upon request. Enhanced enforcement measures now make compliance even more important for individuals seeking to avoid significant legal risks.

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

Many non-citizens, including those sponsored by companies, have already met the registration requirement through their immigration processes. Generally, individuals in the following categories are considered registered:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
• Individuals paroled into the U.S., even if parole has expired
• Visa holders issued Form I-94 or I-94W
• Entrants admitted with immigrant or nonimmigrant visas
• Individuals placed in removal proceedings
• Holders of Employment Authorization Documents (“EAD” or “work permit”)
• Applicants for lawful permanent residence who submitted fingerprints, even if their applications were ultimately denied
• Holders of Border Crossing Cards

Special Registration Rules for Children Turning 14

Foreign nationals who turn 14 while residing in the United States must complete the registration process within 30 days of their 14^th birthday, even if previously documented. Parents or legal guardians must:

• Create a separate USCIS online account for the child
• Submit Form G-325R (Biographic Information Registration)
• Complete any required fingerprinting

If a child holds a green card and is not part of a pending Form I-751 or I-829 application, parents must file Form I-90 to replace the child’s permanent resident card so fingerprinting can be completed.

Canadian Citizens: When You Must Register in the U.S.

While Canadian citizens are generally exempt from some aspects of registration—particularly fingerprinting—they may still have obligations depending on how they entered the United States. Canadians who are typically exempt or already registered include:

• Dual U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
• Individuals who entered by air or received a Form I-94 at a land port
• Visa holders
• Holders of U.S. Employment Authorization Documents
• American Indians born in Canada under INA Section 289

However, Canadians who entered the U.S. via land without a visa and were not issued a Form I-94—such as typical B-1/B-2 visitors who may come to the United States to “snowbird” —must register if they plan to remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more. Those who have already exceeded the 30-day period must register immediately to bring themselves into compliance.

How to Complete Alien Registration (Step-by-Step)

To fulfill the registration requirement:

• Create a USCIS Online Account
• Each registrant, including children, must have a separate online account.
• Submit Form G-325R
• Biographic information must be submitted electronically via the USCIS portal; paper submissions are not accepted.
• Attend Biometrics Appointment (if required)

If biometrics have not previously been collected, registrants must attend an appointment and will be notified on the date and time of such biometrics appointment. Certain exemptions apply for young children and some Canadian visitors. The USCIS website includes a helpful questionnaire tool that can guide individuals in determining whether they must register based on their specific circumstances.

Penalties for Not Registering as a Non-Citizen

Failure to comply with the registration requirement carries serious consequences. Any individual who knowingly fails or refuses to register—or fails to ensure a child under their care is registered—may be charged with a misdemeanor offense. Penalties include:

• A fine of up to $5,000
• Up to six months of imprisonment
• Or both

It is essential for non-citizens and their families to address registration obligations promptly to avoid adverse legal outcomes. If you have any questions about the Alien Registration Act and its applicability to your immigration status, please contact an immigration lawyer on our team.

_{This content is made available for educational purposes only and to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this content, you understand there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the publisher. The content should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.}