Know Your Rights
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Effective April 11, 2025, a new registration requirement went into effect. Under Executive Order 14159, signed on January 20, 2025 by President Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require immigrants who remain in the country for more than 30 days to complete a registration process.

There are currently several pending lawsuits challenging this new registration requirement. Before deciding whether you need to complete this registration process, you should consult with a trusted immigration lawyer to determine the best course of action for your individual case.

What is registration?

Registration is a process of notifying the government of your presence in the U.S. as a noncitizen. The requirement to “register” is in existing immigration laws but has been rarely used. President Trump announced they will use this requirement for all noncitizens.Currently, the law states that all noncitizens over age 14 who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more are required to register. (The law instructs parents to register those that are under age 14.) The law requires people to register before the 30-day period ends. The government posted a new form on the USCIS website for those that are not yet registered to use, Form G-325R.

Is there a new form?

The government created the new Form G-325R. Form G-325R went into effect on April 11, 2025. It can only be accessed and submitted online. There is no other way to submit this form, and the Form is in English. A person must create an online account with USCIS to submit this form, which requires an email address. This form is only for those that are not already registered or cannot register by filing a different application. While the law seems to say people should register within the first 30 days of entering the U.S., the government has not given a deadline to comply with the new rule. Many people do not need to submit this form. See Am I already registered?.

If I register with the new form, will I have permission to stay in the U.S.?

No. Registration does not grant permission to stay in the United States. Once you register, the government will know you are here. If you do not have permission to stay, DHS says they will take steps to deport you.

Am I already registered?

You might be! Many people that have had contact with immigration officials or submitted applications are already registered. The following documents count as registration:

  • A green card. If you are a permanent resident, you are registered.
  • A work permit, even if it is now expired. If you have an employment authorization card, for any reason, you are registered.
  • An I-94. If you got an I-94 document, or received an I-94 electronically, when you entered the United States, you are registered. This includes entries with parole or a visa. If you got an I-94 when you got status, such as asylee, or U nonimmigrant, you are registered.
  • An NTA. If you were issued a Notice to Appear in immigration court, you are registered. If you were issued an Order to Show cause (OSC) or a referral to the immigration judge, you are registered.
  • A Border Crossing Card.
  • A Landing Permit as a crewman.
  • If you have applied for lawful permanent residence or temporary residence you are registered, even if that application was denied. (Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700)
  • If you are already registered, you do not need to register now. You do not need to turn in Form G-325R.

I’m not already registered, do I register now?

You should speak to an immigration attorney if you have questions. What is best for you will depend on your situation. You may already be registered and not know it.

Talk to an immigration attorney to determine if you are already registered.

  • I am eligible for an immigration status or benefit.
    Certain immigration documents count as registration. If you qualify for an immigration benefit, such as adjustment of status, you might want to apply for the benefit now, because it might count as registration. You can consult with a trusted legal services provider to find out. You can find a trusted legal services provider near you by searching here.
  • I don’t qualify for an immigration benefit or status. I am undocumented.
    If you are in the U.S. without immigration status, you might already have a document that counts for registration. If you are already in immigration court fighting your case, you are registered. For example, if the government gave you a document to appear in immigration court, you are registered. If you have an I-94 from entering the U.S., you are registered.

You should speak to an immigration attorney about your situation before submitting the G-325R form online.

What are the risks of registering?

The registration form asks for your address, information about you, your family, and immigration status, among other things. If you have no immigration status, immigration enforcement will know you are in the U.S. and the government says they will take steps to deport you. You may be detained.The Form also requires information about whether you have committed any crimes. You may be charged with a crime based on the information you put on this form. This includes charges for illegal entry, criminal conduct such as use of controlled substances (including marijuana), and other crimes.

Do I have a right to not answer certain questions?

Yes, you have rights! The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution protects everyone in the U.S. from making statements that might incriminate them in a crime. Many people have a 5th Amendment right not to submit the online Form G-325R because the Form requires you to divulge criminal activity, including information about having entered the United States unlawfully. Presently, there is no method provided by USCIS to turn in the Form and leave these questions blank. Instead, questions about entry and criminal activities are required.

What are the risks of not registering?

If you do apply for an immigration benefit and have not registered, DHS could use a failure to register as a negative factor in deciding your case.If you do not register, the government can charge you with a misdemeanor crime if your failure to register was willful (that is, on purpose). This could result in a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.

What should I do if an immigration officer stops me and asks for my documents?

If you are out in public, a government official must have a reason to believe you are a noncitizen. They cannot just guess based on the color of your skin, your job, or where you are located. You have the right to remain silent. You can show the ICE officer a red card or say “I am exercising my right to stay silent, am I free to go?” If you are in your home, you have the right not to let ICE officers into your home and not to answer the door unless they show you a warrant signed by a judge.You can print a red card here and access more Know Your Rights tools at ilrc.org.

I think I am already registered, what happens now?

There may be other requirements you are required to fulfill with Immigration. Check with an attorney about your best next steps.

SOURCE: Immigrant Legal Resource Center


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