On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order titled, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” where it instructed the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with other personnel and agencies, to “immediately announce and publicize information about the legal obligation of all previously unregistered aliens in the United States to comply with the requirements of part VII of subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 8, United States Code [….]” (White House 2025). A few weeks after this order, on February 25, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a federal agency housed under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced additional information about this “alien registration requirement.” This includes an explanation of who must register, who has already registered, and how to go about registering. Across immigrant households there is a tremendous amount of fear, confusion, and anxiety over this new registration requirement. To this end, several organizations are developing helpful resources that can help families understand the new requirement, their risk levels, and their rights.

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC), for example, published a resource titled, “Know Your Rights: Trump’s Registration Requirement for Immigrants.” In addition to providing helpful background information, this resource offers some important updates, including information that explains the “new rule will start on April 11” and that it will require people to first “create an online account with USCIS” then “submit a new form form through that account called Form G-325R, which asks for personal information,” among other steps. This resource also explains what could happen in the event that a person registers or does not, including descriptions of the criminal consequences associated with not registering or failing to carry proof of registration.

The American Immigration Council (AIC) also published a helpful fact sheet titled, “The Trump Administration’s Registration Requirement for Immigrants,” which explains the background and federal laws surrounding this registration requirement. It also explains who will be most affected by this new requirement and the kinds of constitutional issues that may be raised in the process.

Additional information about the “alien registration program” can also be found via the Federal Register’s “Interim Final Rule” document and NILC’s “Frequently Asked Questions” page.

Information and resources are still being developed so it is imperative to stay informed and check for updates via official and other trusted sources.

Note: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional legal advice. It is important to consult with an experienced and trustworthy immigration representative or attorney to receive answers and support for specific legal questions.

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Categories: News

Tags: Immigration, resources