Do You Need to Register Under the Alien Registration Act? A Simple Guide from KAZA Law

If you’re in the U.S. and not a citizen, you’ve probably heard something about the Alien Registration Act. It sounds scary, but KAZA Law is here to help you understand what it means and what your options are.

What Is the Alien Registration Requirement?

The Alien Registration Act is a federal law that says most non-U.S. citizens living in the United States must register with the government. This means you may need to provide basic personal information, details about your immigration status, and in some cases, even get fingerprinted.

But here’s the thing: you might already be registered and not even know it.

Am I Already Registered?

You’re likely already registered if you answered “YES” to any of these questions:

• Do you already have a green card (permanent resident card)?
• Have you ever had a work permit (even if it’s expired)?
• Have you entered the U.S. and received an I-94 or I-94W?
• Have you applied for lawful permanent residence (e.g., with Forms I-485, I-687, I-698, I700)?
• Have you ever received a Notice to Appear (NTA) or Order to Show Cause from immigration court?
• Have you ever been granted parole into the U.S. (even if expired)?
• Have you ever had an employment authorization document (EAD)?
• Have you ever had a Border Crossing Card?
• Have you been issued any deportation paperwork?
• Have you ever applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action?

If any of those apply to you, you may already be registered with DHS.

What Counts as Proof That I’m Registered?

Look for these documents:

• Green Card (Form I-551)
• Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
• Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94 or I94W), even expired
• Border Crossing Cards (I-185 or I-186)
• Notice to Appear (Form I-862)
• Order to Show Cause (Form I-221 or I221S)
• Parole stamp in your passport
• Application for lawful status (Forms I-485, I-687, I-698, I-700) even if denied
• Crewman’s Landing Permits (I-95 or I-184)
• USCIS Proof of G-325R Registration

If You Do Not Carry Your Documents

• You could be guilty of a misdemeanor
• You could be fined of up to $5,000 USD
• You could spend up to 30 days in prison

What If I Turned 14?

If you turned 14 after receiving a document that counts as registration, you may need to reregister.

According to current DHS guidance:

• Noncitizen children must register or re-register within 30 days of turning 14.
• If you were already registered as a child (for example, when you entered the U.S. with a visa or were included on an immigration application), you may still be required to submit a new registration (Form G-325R) after your 14th birthday.
• If you were outside the U.S. when you turned 14 and have since returned, you must register within 30 days of your return.
• Parents or legal guardians are responsible for ensuring children comply with this requirement.
• DO NOT register your over-14 child without first consulting the Should I Register Checklist.

Don’t submit anything before talking to a lawyer. Every situation is different.

Should I Register Now?

Here are the pros and cons of registering, or a simple what you should know before you register :

✅ If You Register (Submit Form G-325R):

• DHS will know you are present in the U.S.
• Must provide your name, address, family, and full immigration history
• Must disclose any criminal history, including minor offenses
• Information may be used to place you in removal proceedings
• You could be detained after registering, especially if you are undocumented or have past criminal issues
• You may waive your 5th Amendment rights by providing self-incriminating information
• Must list your physical address, not just a mailing address
• May be called for biometrics (fingerprints) and additional questioning

Warning: If you register, you could give up your right to remain silent by sharing info that could hurt your case later.

❌ If You Don’t Register:

• You remain under the radar, but may be at risk if discovered later
• May be seen as failing to comply with immigration law
• DHS may view failure to register as a willful violation
• Could face civil or criminal penalties: up to 30 days in jail and/or $5000 fine.
• Failure to register could hurt a future immigration application (e.g. green card, visa)
• You retain your right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination—for now
• Not required to submit any address unless later discovered
• No immediate appointment or fingerprinting—but risk builds over time

Please visit the Alien Registration Requirement webpage for more information on registration.

Know Your Rights (Even If You’re Not Registered)

You have rights in the U.S. – no matter your immigration status or whether you are registered under the new law. Here’s what you should know:

• You have the right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country. If you wish to exercise this right, say so out loud.
• You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings.
• You have the right to a lawyer. If detained or arrested, ask to speak to a lawyer and refuse to sign anything until you do. You also have the right to contact your consulate.
• You do NOT have to let ICE in without a proper warrant. A deportation warrant is not enough. They need a judicial search warrant with your name and address on it.
• You do NOT have to show ID that says what country you’re from. But do not lie or show false documents.

If You’re Arrested or Detained:

• Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
• If arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
• If you are detained by ICE You have the right to contact the consulate of your country of origin or have an officer inform the consulate of your detention. Remember your immigration number (“A” number), your family can use it to track you. Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.
• Do NOT discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.

If ICE or Police Come to Your Door:

• Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
• Ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification.
• Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it.
• A warrant of removal/deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.
• Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address.
• If agents force their way in, do not resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”

👉 Download your FREE Know Your Rights copies here.

Final Thoughts

The Alien Registration Requirement is serious, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re unsure if you’re registered, afraid to register, or worried about your child, we’re here to help.

At Kaza Law, we’ve helped thousands of immigrants make the right choices for their futures.

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My name is Daven Ghandi, and I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of KAZA Law. In this article, we discussed the new alien registration rule and its serious implications for immigrants, including mandatory fingerprinting, proof of registration requirements, and potential legal consequences for noncompliance. If you’re unsure about how this policy affects you or your loved ones, or if you need legal guidance on registering while protecting your rights, I’m here to help. Schedule a free consultation with me today by clicking this link. Let’s work together to ensure you’re informed, prepared, and protected in this rapidly changing immigration landscape.