In early 2025, the Trump administration reinstated a long-dormant federal mandate requiring noncitizens in the U.S.—including undocumented immigrants—to register with the federal government. This policy, rooted in the Alien Registration Act of 1940 and Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), has significant implications for millions of individuals.Breitbart+6The Guardian+6Nixon Peabody LLP+6lhscimmigration.com
What Is the Alien Registration Requirement?
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” This order directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce existing laws mandating that noncitizens register with the federal government. The requirement applies to all noncitizens aged 14 and older who have been in the U.S. for 30 days or more and were not previously fingerprinted or registered during their visa application process. Nixon Peabody LLP+5lhscimmigration.com+5Wikipedia+5The Guardian
Key Requirements and Deadlines
Mandatory Registration: Noncitizens aged 14 and older must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing fingerprints and current address information.
Carrying Documentation: Individuals over 18 are required to carry proof of registration at all times. Failure to do so may result in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment. San Antonio Express-News
Deadlines:
Those present in the U.S. for 30 days or more as of April 11, 2025, must register immediately.
Individuals entering the U.S. on or after April 11, 2025, must register within 30 days of arrival. Reddit+5TheUNN+5https://www.wsfa.com+5
Legal and Social Implications
The reinstatement of the Alien Registration Requirement has sparked significant controversy:Breitbart+2San Antonio Express-News+2The Washington Post+2
Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups argue that the policy could lead to racial profiling and violates civil liberties. A federal judge allowed the policy to proceed, stating that the plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge it.
Community Concerns: Immigrant communities fear increased surveillance and potential deportations. The requirement to carry registration documents at all times raises concerns about daily life disruptions and interactions with law enforcement. San Antonio Express-News+1The Guardian+1
Historical Context
The Alien Registration Act of 1940 was initially enacted during World War II to monitor foreign nationals. While the requirement has existed legally, it has rarely been enforced in recent decades. The last notable enforcement was the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) post-9/11, which was suspended in 2011 and dismantled in 2016. https://www.wsfa.com+1Nixon Peabody LLP+1
What Should Affected Individuals Do?
Stay Informed: Monitor official USCIS communications for updates on the registration process.
Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an immigration attorney to understand your rights and obligations under the new requirement.
Be Cautious: Avoid unauthorized individuals or organizations offering registration services, as the official process is still being established. Immigrant Legal Resource Center
The reinstatement of the Alien Registration Requirement marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, with far-reaching effects on noncitizen residents. Staying informed and seeking legal counsel are crucial steps for those potentially affected by this policy.
Here at the Law Offices of Arsen V. Baziyants we understand that news like this can create fear and uncertainty for immigrants and their families—especially those who have lived in the U.S. for years without prior legal complications. Our practice is built around providing thoughtful, individualized legal support. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach—our work is personal, detailed, and attentive to the complex situations our clients face.
If you or a loved one may be affected by the revived Alien Registration Requirement, it’s important to get clear, accurate legal guidance—not just rumors or secondhand advice. While the government has yet to clarify every procedural detail, now is the time to get organized, evaluate your legal status, and understand your potential risks and rights.
Based in downtown Las Vegas, we regularly work with clients from a variety of backgrounds, including long-term undocumented residents, family members of U.S. citizens, and individuals pursuing green cards or naturalization. We’re fluent in Armenian and Russian and welcome clients who prefer to speak in their native language.
Whether you’re trying to understand how this policy may apply to you or exploring your immigration options more broadly, we are here to help. Our goal is to protect your future and empower you to make decisions from a place of knowledge, not fear.