The United States government has announced a major shift in immigration policy that will affect foreign nationals living in the country. Starting from February 25, 2025, all immigrants in the U.S. will be required to register with the U.S. immigration authorities to ensure that they are complying with U.S. immigration laws.
The directive was introduced through an executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” which mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce a long-standing federal law. This law, which has not been enforced for many years, now requires foreign nationals to formally register their presence in the U.S.
For Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the U.S., this new policy could have serious implications. If they fail to register, they may face penalties, including fines or possible legal action. So, what exactly does this new requirement mean, and how can individuals avoid the risks associated with non-compliance?
Who Needs to Register?
The new registration policy applies to foreign nationals aged 14 and older who meet certain criteria. According to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Section 262, the following individuals must register with the U.S. immigration authorities:
1. Individuals who did not register or get fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa. This includes anyone who has entered the U.S. but never went through the required registration process during their visa application.
2. Foreign nationals who have stayed in the U.S. for more than 30 days- Anyone who has been in the U.S. for over 30 days must register, even if they arrived with legal documents.
3. Parents or guardians of children under 14 who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days-This group must also ensure that their children’s presence is recorded with the immigration authorities if they have overstayed their permitted time.
4. Individuals who turn 14-Any foreign national who reaches the age of 14 must re-register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
In an effort to streamline this process, the U.S. government has outlined specific steps that must be followed for registration. This includes using an online portal created by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is expected to be launched soon.
Who Is Exempt from Registration?
Not all foreign nationals are required to register. There are certain exemptions in place for those who have already gone through immigration procedures. These include:
– Green Card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents): Foreign nationals who have permanent residency status in the U.S. are not required to register again.
– Visa holders who have received an I-94 form: Those who entered the U.S. legally with an I-94 or other employment authorization documents are also exempt.
– Individuals applying for U.S. residency: Even if an individual’s application for residency was denied, they do not need to register if they have already been through the immigration process.
– Those currently in removal proceedings: Foreign nationals who are already going through the process of being removed from the U.S. are not subject to this new requirement.
Why Is This Policy Important?
The new immigration registration policy is designed to make it easier for U.S. authorities to track the immigration status of foreign nationals living in the country. The U.S. government says that this is a measure aimed at strengthening national security and ensuring that all individuals in the country are legally compliant with U.S. immigration laws.
