A new federal mandate is placing thousands of migrants in the U.S. under increased legal scrutiny, with steep consequences for those who fail to comply. Under Executive Order 14159, signed in January 2025, migrants present in the United States for more than 30 days must now register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and appear for biometric data collection—or risk fines, misdemeanor charges, or even imprisonment.
This executive order, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce long-dormant provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically Article 262, which mandates the registration of all foreign nationals residing in the U.S. for extended periods.
Who Must Register
This directive applies to all foreign nationals over the age of 14 who were not previously registered or fingerprinted during a visa application process and who have been in the U.S. for over 30 days. Parents and legal guardians must also register their children under 14, and minors must re-register with biometric data within 30 days of turning 14.
What the Process Entails
To comply, migrants must now:
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Complete the new G-325R form (Biometric Information for Registration) online.
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Await a biometrics appointment notification from USCIS, directing them to a designated Application Support Center.
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Attend the appointment and provide biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs.
Upon completion, individuals over the age of 18 will receive an official registration certificate, which must be carried at all times as proof of compliance.
No Path to Status or Benefits
Importantly, this registration does not confer immigration status, work authorization, or any additional rights. It is strictly for compliance with federal registration requirements and has no bearing on future immigration applications or relief eligibility.
Consequences of Noncompliance
USCIS has issued a clear warning: failing to appear for biometric collection after registration may result in criminal penalties, including fines and incarceration. Migrants who ignore or miss these appointments could face legal action, even if they entered through legal means such as the CBP One app.
Adding further uncertainty, the government has begun canceling humanitarian parole granted via CBP One, instructing individuals to leave the U.S. “immediately.” These notices have been accompanied by suggestions to use the same app—now renamed CBP Home—to self-deport.
A Climate of Fear and Urgency
At Saluja Law, we are receiving an increasing number of inquiries from migrants unsure how to respond to these developments. Many are fearful, confused, and at risk of serious legal consequences simply due to a lack of clear guidance or access to legal support.
We urge all affected individuals to take this directive seriously. Complying with the new registration and biometrics requirements is not optional, and any delay or failure to act could result in severe penalties. While the policy does not offer legal immigration benefits, noncompliance could damage future immigration prospects or lead to detention.
Our Message to Migrants and Their Families
If you or a loved one is unsure of your obligation under this new executive order, we strongly encourage you to seek legal counsel. Navigating this mandate without legal guidance is risky, especially as the federal government increases enforcement efforts.
Saluja Law is here to help. Our team is committed to providing support, clarity, and legal representation for migrants navigating the complexities of evolving immigration policy.
This is a pivotal moment. Stay informed, stay prepared—and don't face it alone.
Saluja Law
Advocates for Fairness and Due Process in U.S. Immigration
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