USA Registration Act in 2025

Long-standing US legislation called the Alien Registration Act (also known at the Smith Act) requires most noncitizens aged 14 or older who remain in the US for 30 days or more to register with the government. Although this requirement has not been enforced for many years, as of Friday 11 April 2025 it is being enforced again. Affected individuals must now register using Form G-325R. Failing to register or to carry proof of registration can result in fines, jail time or removal from the US.

Who must register?
You must register if:

• you have entered the US and plan to stay for 30 days or longer;
• you entered without inspection or were not issued proof of registration (eg an I-94);
• you are a Canadian who entered at a land border and were not issued evidence of registration, such as Form I-94;
• you were granted Deferred Action or TPS but never received a registration document;
• you are a noncitizen child who turns 14 while in the US (you must register within 30 days of your birthday); or
• you are a lawful permanent resident who turned 14 outside the US and recently re-entered.

Who is exempt from registration?
You are exempt from registering if:

• you are a US citizen;
• you are in the US for fewer than 30 days;
• you hold an A or G visa;
• you already registered and were fingerprinted through your visa application;
• you are a Canadian-born American Indian with at least 50% native blood under 8 USC §1359; or
• you applied for lawful permanent residence using forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698 or I-700 and gave fingerprints.