Migrant Alert! Mandatory Registration and Harsh Penalties Starting April 2025

• Mandatory Registration for Undocumented Immigrants
• Penalties for Not Carrying Official Documents
• Change of Address Notification Required

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14159, introducing significant changes to U.S. immigration policy.

Beginning April 11, 2025, new measures will take effect that impact immigrants, especially those residing in the country without legal authorization.

The new regulations require mandatory registration for certain foreign nationals, along with the presentation of specific documentation.

“These new regulations strengthen the administration’s immigration policy and impose tougher penalties on the undocumented,” the president said when announcing the executive order.

Requirements for Mandatory Immigrant Registration in the U.S.

Starting on that date, immigrants who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), regardless of immigration status.

Registration will be mandatory for all foreign nationals over the age of 14 who are present in the U.S., and must be completed using Form G-325R. This process includes fingerprinting, photographs, and a signature, followed by a criminal background check.

Upon completing these procedures, USCIS will issue a “Proof of Alien Registration” as confirmation of compliance.

However, some exceptions apply.

Immigrants who have already completed registration upon entry, those undergoing processes such as permanent residency, TPS, DACA, refugee or asylum status, and those who entered under the humanitarian parole program will not be required to register.

Nonetheless, undocumented immigrants and Canadian citizens who enter without formal procedures must comply with the registration process.

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Failure to meet this requirement may result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

In addition, the new policy requires immigrants to carry official documentation verifying their immigration status at all times.

Local forms of ID, such as driver’s licenses, will not be considered valid. Those without the proper documents may face fines of up to $5,000 and up to 30 days in detention while their status is verified.

Another important requirement is reporting any change of address within 10 days.

This must be done through an online USCIS form. Failure to comply may result in penalties and negatively impact future immigration applications.

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) has expressed concern about the risks these measures pose, especially for vulnerable communities.

Historically, similar registration systems have been used to identify and deport undocumented immigrants.

Immigrant rights advocates recommend affected individuals consult with immigration attorneys before taking any action to understand the potential legal risks of these new regulations.

The U.S. government continues to implement stricter immigration measures, raising concern among immigrants and their advocates.

The implementation of these new rules will change the way immigrants manage their legal status and residency in the country.

SOURCE: La Nación / PM

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