The United States government has introduced a new regulation mandating that all immigrants, including H-1B visa holders and green card holders, must carry proof of their legal status at all times. This directive was issued as part of former President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting American People Against Invasion,” which took effect on April 11, 2025. The move aims to strengthen immigration enforcement and curb illegal immigration by requiring immigrants to carry identification verifying their legal presence in the country.
Background
The new requirement is based on the Alien Registration Act of 1940, which historically required immigrants to register with the U.S. government but was never strictly enforced. The current administration is now implementing this law rigorously under what is called the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR).
Key Provisions of the Rule
- Mandatory Registration: All non-citizens aged 14 and older who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register with the federal government using “Form G-325R.” Parents must also register their children aged 14 or older.
- Documentation: Immigrants arriving after April 11, 2025, have 30 days to register. Failure to comply may lead to fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Address Updates: Those who change their address must report the new location within 10 days or face fines up to $5,000.
- Re-registration: Children who turn 14 must re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days.
Who Is Affected?
- Undocumented Immigrants: Must register and carry documentation proving legal status at all times.
- Legal Immigrants: Individuals holding valid visas (such as H-1B workers, students) or green cards are considered registered but must carry their legal status documents at all times.
- Indian Nationals: There are approximately 5.4 million Indians residing in the U.S., including about 220,000 undocumented immigrants. Indian nationals on H-1B visas or as international students do not need to register again but must carry their legal documents.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the registration and documentation requirements may result in:
- Fines
- Imprisonment for up to six months
- Deportation from the United States
Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), emphasized that all non-citizens aged 18 and older must carry their registration proof at all times. She further stated that there would be no sanctuary for those who fail to comply, and DHS will prioritize enforcement of this rule.
This step is part of a broader effort by the U.S. administration to enforce stricter immigration policies and ensure that immigrants maintain proper documentation while residing in the country.