Following Executive Order, ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasion,’ signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has intensified efforts to enforce alien registration requirements under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). To support this initiative, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) Determination Tool – an online resource to help foreign nationals determine if they must register with the government.
What is the Alien registration requirement determination tool?
The INA mandates that nearly all noncitizens 14 years of age or older who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more—and were not previously registered and fingerprinted when applying for a visa—must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for registering children under 14, and re-registration is required within 30 days after a registered individual turns 14. Once registration and fingerprinting are complete (unless fingerprinting is waived), DHS issues proof of registration. All aliens aged 18 and older are legally obligated to carry this documentation at all times. Failure to comply may result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines, misdemeanor prosecution, or incarceration. To streamline compliance, USCIS has introduced Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), which can be submitted through a new online process. It is important to note that registration does not confer any immigration status or benefit and does not provide work authorisation.
The tool is designed to help noncitizens—particularly short-term visitors—identify whether they are subject to the registration requirement. By answering a brief series of questions related to visa type, age, and duration of stay, users can quickly assess their obligations under federal law. This tool is informational only and does not provide legal advice or replace consultation with an immigration attorney. It is intended to assist individuals in determining whether they must file Form G-325R to remain compliant with the INA. Foreign nationals who are unsure of their registration obligations are encouraged to use the tool and take any necessary action promptly to avoid legal consequences.