Finance

Foreign Nationals Alert: Miss This New U.S. Rule and You Could Face Fines or Jail

By Ronak Sharma Share with new partner:   Share
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If you’re living in the U.S. and you’re not a citizen, there’s a new rule rolling out you might want to know about.

Beginning June 25, 2025, the government is putting into action something called alien registration — and no, that’s not a sci-fi term. It just means that certain foreign nationals who are staying in the U.S. long-term will now need to sign up officially through a simple online process.

Let’s walk through what this really means in plain English — who needs to register, who’s probably fine, and how to take care of it without any stress.

So, What Exactly Is This Registration?

This isn’t something brand new. The U.S. has had a law on the books since 1940 that says non-citizens should register if they’re in the country for more than 30 days. The government is now actually enforcing it and modernizing the process.

The goal is to keep a better record of who’s in the U.S., especially those who haven’t gone through fingerprinting or other background checks. It’s not about your visa status or whether you’re applying for a green card — this is simply a registration step for tracking who’s here.

Does This Apply to You?

You probably need to register if:

  • You’ve been in the U.S. for more than 30 days

  • You’re not a U.S. citizen or green card holder

  • You’re 14 years old or older (or you’re a parent registering a child under 14)

  • And you’ve never been fingerprinted by USCIS (like during a visa, asylum, DACA, or work permit process)

If you checked all those boxes — yeah, this likely includes you.

You Might Be Off the Hook If…

You don’t need to worry about this if:

  • You have a green card (permanent residency)

  • You entered the country on a visa and already completed official biometrics (fingerprinting)

  • You’ve been through any immigration process that already involved giving your fingerprints

If you’re unsure, think back: if you’ve ever gone to a USCIS office and had to press your fingers onto a scanner, you might already be in the system. If not, this might be your time to get registered.

What Do You Have to Do?

Here’s the good news: the process is simple, online, and free. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Visit the USCIS website (they’ll launch a page by June 25)

  2. Create an account if you don’t have one yet

  3. Fill out Form G-325R — this is just basic info like your name, address, birthday, etc.

  4. Upload a photo ID, like your passport

  5. Book an appointment for fingerprinting (don’t worry — this happens at a local USCIS office)

  6. Once approved, you’ll get a digital certificate that proves you’re registered

That’s it. No lawyer required, no scary interviews, and it won’t change your immigration status either way.

Why Is This Happening Now?

To put it simply, the government wants a better idea of who’s living here for the long term — especially those who haven’t been through any sort of background check.

This isn’t an attempt to crack down or deport people. It’s more like the government finally catching up with its own paperwork. With better technology and online systems, they’re now asking folks to check in officially if they haven’t already.

What If You Ignore It?

We get it — registering with the government can feel risky, especially if you’re not sure about your status. But if you’re supposed to register and don’t, it could backfire.

Failing to register might lead to:

  • Fines (up to $5,000)

  • Jail time (up to 6 months)

  • Delays or denials in future immigration applications

  • Trouble getting work, benefits, or renewing your visa

Also, once you are registered, the law says you need to carry proof of registration if you’re 14 or older — just like you would with an ID.

This registration process is the government’s way of getting non-citizens officially on record — especially those who’ve been here quietly, without going through fingerprinting or formal immigration steps.

If you’re in the U.S. and this applies to you, it’s smart to take care of it as soon as the portal opens. It doesn’t affect your visa or immigration status, and it’s not an application for benefits or work permission — but it’s still a legal requirement.

Still unsure if you need to register? I can help you figure it out. Just let me know what your situation is — no judgment, just real help.

Ronak Sharma
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