DHS Reinforces Alien Registration Requirements: What It Means for Foreign Nationals in the U.S.
DHS Reinforces Alien Registration Requirements:
What It Means for Foreign Nationals in the U.S.
At Versfeld & Hugo LLC, we provide timely legal insight to help individuals, families, and businesses remain compliant with evolving U.S. immigration regulations. On February 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced renewed enforcement of the Alien Registration requirement, a long-standing statutory obligation that has historically seen limited enforcement.
According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, foreign nationals residing in the United States are now required to register with the federal government, submit fingerprints where applicable, and notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any change in residential address. DHS may pursue criminal penalties for willful noncompliance.
Scope of the Registration Requirement
The Alien Registration requirement applies broadly to noncitizens residing in the United States. DHS is now enforcing:
Registration with USCIS
Submission of biometrics, if required
Timely notification of address changes
These requirements, while not new, are now being actively enforced.
Individuals Deemed Compliant
According to USCIS, the following individuals are generally considered to have fulfilled the registration requirement:
Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
Foreign nationals paroled into the U.S. under INA § 212(d)(5)
Noncitizens issued Form I-94 or I-94W upon lawful entry
Visa holders with prior registration upon entry
Individuals in removal proceedings
Holders of Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document
Applicants for lawful permanent residence (Forms I-485, I-687, I-698, etc.), even if denied
Holders of valid Border Crossing Cards
Lawful permanent residents who turned 14 and filed for a new I-551 within 30 days
Individuals Required to Take Action
The following individuals are not considered registered and are advised to take immediate steps:
Noncitizens present in the U.S. without inspection, admission, or parole
Canadian visitors who entered via land ports without receiving registration documentation
DACA or TPS applicants not issued formal evidence of registration
Individuals lacking documentation listed under 8 CFR § 261.1(b)
Accepted Evidence of Registration
USCIS has identified the following documents as acceptable evidence of registration:
Form I-94 / I-94W – Arrival/Departure Record
Form I-766 – Employment Authorization Document
Form I-551 – Permanent Resident Card
Form I-862 – Notice to Appear
Form I-221 / I-221S – Orders to Show Cause
Form I-185 / I-186 – Border Crossing Cards
Form I-863 – Referral to Immigration Judge
A complete list is available under 8 CFR § 261.1(b) and on the official USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page. The official USCIS link is provided for direct access to current forms, instructions, and account registration procedures.
Registration and Address Update Procedures
Until a formal registration form is released, USCIS advises individuals to:
Create a USCIS online account
Register and manage documentation through the account portal
Update address information using Form AR-11: Alien’s Change of Address Card
Individuals unsure of their compliance status should act promptly to avoid penalties.
Legal Support and Representation
Versfeld & Hugo LLC provides comprehensive immigration legal services with precision and integrity. We represent clients across the United States and globally in matters related to registration, adjustment of status, employment-based immigration, and complex compliance requirements.
Contact Information
Versfeld & Hugo LLC – Immigration Attorneys
📍 12 E 1st St, 2nd Floor – Suite A, Parkville, MO 64152, USA.
🌐 www.versfeldimmigration.com
✉️ [email protected]
☎️ +1 816-891-8600
Versfeld & Hugo LLC is internationally recognized for legal excellence and trusted representation. We serve clients across the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
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