Green Card holders and all noncitizens aged 14 and older must now carry proof of their immigration status at all times in the United States ??. This new rule, effective April 11, 2025, comes from Executive Order 14159, which sets strict rules for registration and fingerprinting under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The policy aims to strengthen national security and ensure everyone follows immigration laws.
The new requirement affects millions of people, including Green Card holders, students, workers, and visitors who stay in the United States ?? for more than 30 days. Anyone who does not follow these rules could face fines, criminal charges, or even jail time. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stress that following these rules is now a top priority.
Who Must Register and Carry Proof
Starting April 11, 2025, all noncitizens aged 14 or older who have not already registered and been fingerprinted must do so. This includes people who entered the United States ?? with a visa but were not fingerprinted at that time. Parents or guardians must register children under 14. When a child turns 14, they must re-register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of their birthday.
| India | China | ROW | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Oct 15, 2022 ▼61d | Jun 01, 2023 ▲61d | Current |
| EB-2 | Unavailable | Sep 01, 2021 | Current |
| EB-3 | Jan 01, 2014 ▲17d | Dec 22, 2021 ▲143d | Aug 01, 2024 ▲61d |
| F-1 | Feb 01, 2018 ▲153d | Feb 01, 2018 ▲153d | Feb 01, 2018 ▲153d |
| F-2A | Jan 01, 2025 | Jan 01, 2025 | Jan 01, 2025 |
After registering and being fingerprinted, USCIS gives each person a document as proof of registration. Anyone over 18 must carry this proof at all times. The most common documents that count as proof include:
- Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card, or Green Card) – for Green Card holders
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) – for visitors and some other noncitizens
- Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document) – for people allowed to work
- Form I-185 or I-186 (Nonresident Alien Border Crossing Card) – for certain border crossers
If you do not have one of these documents, you must register and get proof from USCIS. The new process uses Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), which must be submitted online through a personal USCIS account. No paper or in-person submissions are allowed.
How to Register: Step-by-Step
If you are a Green Card holder or another noncitizen who needs to register, here’s what you should do:
- Create a USCIS Online Account: Go to the USCIS website and set up your own account.
- Submit Form G-325R Online: Complete and submit the Form G-325R electronically. Paper forms are not accepted.
- Attend Fingerprinting Appointment: After you submit the form, USCIS will schedule you for fingerprinting unless you qualify for a waiver.
- Receive Proof of Registration: Once you finish the process, USCIS will give you a document to carry as proof.
- Carry Proof at All Times: Always keep your proof with you. If your address or status changes, update your registration right away.
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
Executive Order 14159 makes following these rules a civil and criminal enforcement priority. If you do not register, fail to carry proof, or do not report address changes, you could face:
- Fines
- Misdemeanor prosecution
- Possible jail time
Law enforcement and immigration officers will increase checks to make sure people are following the rules. If you cannot show proof when asked, you may be detained or charged.
Address Change Reporting
All noncitizens, including Green Card holders, must report any change of address to USCIS within 10 days. This rule is now strictly enforced. If you do not report your new address on time, you could be fined. You can report your address change online through your USCIS account.
Background and Policy Context
The rule comes from Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which has existed for many years but was not always strictly enforced. Executive Order 14159, signed on January 20, 2025, changed this by making registration and fingerprinting a top priority. The order is called “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” and aims to make sure all noncitizens are registered and easy to identify.
The Trump administration first talked about enforcing these rules, but the 2025 order made them official and expanded them. Now, all noncitizens must follow the rules, not just new arrivals.
What Green Card Holders Need to Know
Green Card holders, also known as lawful permanent residents, must carry their Form I-551 (Green Card) at all times. If you were not registered or fingerprinted before, you must complete the process using Form G-325R. If you do not follow these steps, you risk fines or criminal charges.
Immigration lawyers say it is very important for Green Card holders to understand these new rules. “We urge all Green Card holders to register if they have not already done so and to carry their Green Card at all times,” said an attorney from Vorys LLP. “Failure to comply can have serious consequences.”
Concerns and Community Impact
Some civil rights groups worry that strict enforcement could lead to more profiling or wrongful detention. They ask for careful monitoring to make sure people are not unfairly targeted. At the same time, government officials say the rules help keep the country safe and make the immigration system stronger.
For families, students, and workers, the new rules mean more responsibility. Everyone must keep their documents up to date and ready to show if asked. This can be stressful, especially for people who are not used to carrying important papers every day.
Practical Tips for Compliance
- Always carry your Green Card or other proof of registration.
- Keep your documents in a safe but easy-to-reach place.
- Report any address change to USCIS within 10 days.
- If you lose your document, apply for a replacement right away.
- If you have questions, contact an immigration attorney or visit the USCIS official website.
Looking Ahead
The government is expected to keep enforcing these rules in 2025 and beyond. DHS and USCIS may make more changes as they see how the system works. Noncitizens should watch for updates and always follow the latest rules.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new policy marks a big change for Green Card holders and other noncitizens. It is important to act quickly, register if needed, and always carry proof of your status. By following these steps, you can avoid legal trouble and stay in good standing.
In summary, starting April 11, 2025, all Green Card holders and noncitizens aged 14 and older must carry proof of their immigration status at all times. Registration is done online with Form G-325R, followed by fingerprinting. Not following these rules can lead to fines, prosecution, or jail. Stay informed, stay prepared, and protect your status in the United States ??.
Learn Today
Green Card → Official Permanent Resident Card proving lawful residence in the United States.
Executive Order 14159 → A 2025 directive mandating registration and fingerprinting for noncitizens to enhance security.
Form G-325R → Online biographic information form noncitizens must submit for registration with USCIS.
Fingerprinting → Process of collecting fingerprint biometrics to verify identity of individuals for immigration control.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, agency enforcing immigration registration and document issuance.
This Article in a Nutshell
Effective April 11, 2025, Green Card holders and noncitizens 14+ must register online and carry proof. Failure risks fines or jail. This new government rule enhances national security through strict fingerprinting and registration requirements under Executive Order 14159, changing immigration compliance for millions in the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com
