In an action that could affect millions of non-US nationals, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has declared that it will implement the alien enrollment condition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). From March 2025 onwards, non-nationals who satisfy specific measures must enroll with USCIS within 30 days of landing or face severe penalties.
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Who Is Required To Enroll?
The new authority is applied to the following persons:
- Non-United States nationals between the ages of 14 or older who were not enrolled and fingerprinted when applying for a visa and have stayed in the United States for 30 days or more.
- Parents or lawful guardians of kids below the age of 14 who have stayed in the United States for more than 30 days and were not initially enrolled
- Non-United States nationals who become 14 years old while living within 30 days of their birthday.
Failure to adhere to these conditions could result in criminal and civil penalties, including fines and prospective misdemeanor fees.
Why This Is Important
This new law majorly impacts persons who entered the United States without examination and acceptance. This includes Canadian guests who did not provide an I-94 history, and people awarded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) without evidence of enrollment. Non-nationals over 18 must carry their enrollment documentation once provided for each Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy.
Who Is Already Enrolled?
Specific persons are already regarded as enrolled and do not require to take additional effort, which includes:
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- Legal permanent residents, which are green card holders
- Persons paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5)
- Non-immigrants who were provided Form I-94 or I-94W (offline or online)
- Persons provided an immigrant or non-immigrant visa before landing
- People placed into removal proceedings by the Department of Home Affairs
- Persons with job approval documents (EADs)
- Candidates for legal permanent residence use certain forms, including I-485, I-687, I-698, I-700.
- Persons with Border Crossing cards
How To Enroll
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not yet completed the official enrollment form or procedure; however, this is expected to happen soon. In readiness, non-nationals must generate a USCIS online account to complete and present their enrollment forms when the system is enforced. Parents or guardians will be accountable for presenting requests for children under 14.
Penalties For Non-adherence
Negligence to adhere to the enrollment condition could result in the following:
- Criminal convictions, which include misdemeanor prosecution
- Civil penalties and fines
- Feasible immigration affects people without authentic status.
Furthermore, while enrollment will be administered as evidence of adherence with the US relocation rule, it does not award job approval or any other lawful gains under the INA.
With the implementation of this long-standing provision, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service is anticipated to release further information in the coming weeks, including specific policies on presenting enrollment forms. Non-nationals currently in the United States must instantly prepare by generating a USCIS account and closely checking updates from DHS and USCIS to prevent penalties.
This declaration highlights a significant growth in United States immigration policy, potentially impacting thousands of non-nationals. Remain tuned as additional information emerges concerning the implementation and processing of alien enrollment in 2025.
