By Lorena Coll, Esq.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce existing registration obligations under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. § 1302). This executive order prioritizes civil and criminal enforcement of noncompliance with these requirements.
The order affects noncitizens aged 14 and older who were not fingerprinted or registered either during their visa application process or at the time of admission or parole into the United States. If such individuals have remained in the U.S. for 30 days or more, they are now required to complete registration using Form G-325R. This also applies to individuals who are present in the U.S. without having been formally admitted or paroled.
Form G-325R requests detailed information such as name, contact details, physical and mailing addresses, immigration history, I-94 number (if applicable), criminal background, marital status, biometric identifiers, and employment history. Individuals may be required to upload supporting documents, including certified police or court records. It is strongly recommended that applicants retain copies of all submitted records and evidence for their own reference and for future immigration-related processes.
For individuals who entered the U.S. without authorization and currently have a pending waiver along with a submitted DS-260 immigrant visa application to the U.S. Department of State, that visa application may serve as their registration under INA § 262. In such cases, keeping the DS-260 confirmation number is essential as proof of compliance.
It is important to note that noncompliance with the registration requirement may now be treated as a civil or criminal violation. Additionally, submitting inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information on Form G-325R could negatively impact pending immigration applications or future eligibility for immigration benefits.
Given the seriousness of this new enforcement policy, I strongly recommend consulting with an experienced immigration attorney before completing and submitting Form G-325R or disclosing any sensitive personal information. Every individual’s case is different, and professional legal guidance is essential to navigating these requirements safely and accurately.
If you believe this new registration requirement may apply to you or someone you know, please contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation.
Lorena Coll, Esq.
Visawolf, PC
Concord, California
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading or interacting with this content. You should not act upon any information presented here without seeking professional counsel. The views expressed in individual posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm.
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