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U.S. Department of Homeland Security Finalises Alien Registration Rule and Introduces Form G-325R

🇺🇸 United StatesEntry Rules1 recorded versionLast change 27 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has adopted the Interim Final Rule (IFR) as final, making procedural and technical changes to alien registration regulations, including updating the list of immigration forms and processes that meet the requirement. A new Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), and an online process have been established to allow unregistered aliens to comply. The requirement for aliens 14 years or older, staying for 30 days or longer, to register and be fingerprinted remains, with re-registration required within 30 days of turning 14. Aliens aged 18 or older must carry evidence of registration at all times. Failure to comply may lead to criminal and civil penalties.

Overview

The U.S. is reportedly introducing a new policy to vet the social media of foreign journalists applying for visas. This initiative is expected to add an additional layer of scrutiny to the visa application process for international media professionals. The announcement comes via a report from Reuters, suggesting an upcoming change in immigration procedures.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Aliens aged 14 years or older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer for each period of stay
  • Parents and legal guardians of aliens under 14 years of age who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer
  • Previously registered aliens who turn 14 years old, who must re-register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of their birthday

What changed in the latest version

Before

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) has long required most people who are not citizens of the U.S. — legally called aliens — aged 14 or older to register and have their fingerprints taken. This applies if they did not register and have fingerprints taken when applying for a U.S. visa. It also applies if they stay in the United States for 30 days or longer. Parents or legal guardians had to register aliens under 14 years old. However, many aliens did not have a direct way to register.

After

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adopted the Interim Final Rule (IFR) as final. This changes the procedures and technical parts of the alien registration rules. It updates the list of immigration forms and processes that meet the requirement. There is a new Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), and an online system. These help people who have not registered to comply. The rule still requires aliens aged 14 years or older, who stay for 30 days or longer, to register and have their fingerprints taken. If you were registered before and then turn 14, you must re-register within 30 days of your 14th birthday. Aliens aged 18 or older must always carry proof of their registration. If you do not comply, you may face criminal and civil penalties.

This change greatly affects people who are not citizens of the U.S. — legally called aliens — and have not registered in the United States. It provides a clear, easy way for them to meet the long-standing registration rules. This helps reduce the risk of penalties. People who did not have a direct way to register before must now use the new Form G-325R or other updated processes. This helps them avoid legal problems, including fines and possibly being put in prison. Aliens aged 18 or older, who must register, must now always carry proof of their registration. This rule becoming final, along with an executive order that focuses on enforcement, shows a greater effort to ensure people comply with alien registration duties.

Explained simply

Imagine the U.S. government wants to keep track of everyone who isn't a U.S. citizen but is staying in the country for a while. If you're 14 or older, and you didn't get officially noted when you got your U.S. visa, and you're staying for more than 30 days, you now have a clear way to tell them you're here. It's like checking in at a hotel, but for the whole country, and you get a special ID that you need to carry. If you don't 'check in' when you're supposed to, you could get into serious trouble, like fines or even jail time. So, it's really important to make sure you're counted.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v8Effective 29 Jun 2026EffectiveHigh impact
    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Finalises Alien Registration Rule and Introduces Form G-325R

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adopted its Interim Final Rule (IFR) on alien registration as a final rule on 29 June 2026. This update adds Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), and an online system. These provide a direct way for people who have not registered to meet their legal duty to register and have their fingerprints taken. The rule applies to people who are not citizens of the U.S. — legally called aliens — aged 14 or older. It applies if they did not register when they applied for a visa and stay in the United States for 30 days or more. It also applies to parents of younger aliens. If you do not follow this rule, you can face civil and criminal penalties. These include fines and being put in prison.

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