The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a stern warning on Tuesday via social media, cautioning migrants who neglect the biometric data process required under the new mandatory registration program that they could face criminal penalties. "Upon registering under the Alien Registration Requirement, USCIS will send you a notice for your biometric services appointment at one of our Application Support Centers. You must provide your biometric information. Failing to do so may result in criminal sanctions," the agency stated on its X account.
This warning amplifies the official announcement made by USCIS on its website, which details that on January 20, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion." The directive mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce the provisions of Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), requiring mandatory registration of all foreign nationals residing in the United States for more than 30 days.
According to the regulation, all migrants over the age of 14 who have not been registered or had their biometric data (fingerprints) collected when applying for a visa must undergo this process if they remain in the country for more than one month. Additionally, parents or legal guardians of children under 14 are responsible for registering their children. Migrants who turn 14 must re-register and submit their fingerprints within 30 days of their birthday. Once the registration and fingerprinting are completed, the DHS will issue an official certificate that, for those over 18, must be carried at all times as proof of compliance with the law.
The official statement warns that failing to comply with the mandatory registration could lead to legal consequences, such as misdemeanor charges, fines, or even imprisonment. Although many migrants are already registered, USCIS acknowledges that a large portion of foreign nationals in the country previously lacked a direct way to meet this legal requirement. Therefore, the new G-325R form (Biometric Information for Registration) has been created, along with an online process to facilitate compliance with this obligation.
It is crucial to note that registration does not grant immigration status, work authorization, or confer any other rights or benefits under the Immigration Law or any other U.S. law. Last February, the U.S. government announced the creation of a mandatory registry for all individuals in the country illegally. According to a statement released at that time by the DHS, those who fail to comply with this requirement would face fines, imprisonment, or both penalties.
Migrants who entered the U.S. through the CBP One application are receiving notifications from the DHS informing them of the cancellation of their stay permits (paroles). Those who entered the country via the southern border using the mentioned application are being ordered to leave the country "immediately," as authorities admitted on Tuesday in statements to The Associated Press. "The cancellation of these authorizations is a promise fulfilled to the American people to secure our borders and protect national security," the DHS media affairs unit told the agency. Authorities confirmed that cancellation notices were sent to CBP One beneficiaries, but they did not disclose how many.
The document urges migrants to self-deport voluntarily, using the same application they used to enter, which has been renamed CBP Home.
Understanding the New USCIS Registration Requirement
What is the new USCIS biometric data requirement?
The new requirement mandates that all foreign nationals residing in the United States for over 30 days must provide biometric data as part of the Alien Registration Requirement.
Who needs to comply with the biometric registration?
All migrants over the age of 14 who have not previously registered or provided biometric data when applying for a visa, and parents or guardians of children under 14, must comply if they are in the U.S. for more than a month.
Does the registration grant any immigration benefits?
No, the registration does not provide any immigration status, work authorization, or other rights or benefits under U.S. law.
What are the consequences of not complying with the registration?
Failure to comply with the registration can result in legal actions such as misdemeanor charges, fines, or even imprisonment.