A sweeping new rule requiring all foreign nationals living in the United States to register with the government and carry documentation proving their legal status at all times went into effect Friday. 

The regulation, implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), stems from President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.”

The order mandates that all non-citizens aged 18 and older, regardless of their immigration status, must possess proof of registration at all times. This includes green card holders and other legally residing non-citizens. Failure to comply carries potential criminal and civil penalties, including misdemeanour prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.

The rule enforces Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which previously lacked a universal enforcement mechanism. USCIS has established a new online registration system and form (G-325R) for biometric information, aiming to address the significant number of unregistered aliens in the country. Those who have not been fingerprinted previously must also appear for fingerprinting.

The regulation applies to nearly all non-citizens, including temporary visitors, students, and workers, with limited exceptions. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for registering children under 14 within 30 days of their 14th birthday. The rule also impacts law enforcement, allowing officers to request proof of registration status during routine interactions.

Canadians staying in the U.S. for over 30 days are also affected, needing to register unless they possess an I-94 admission record, obtainable at land borders or via the CBP One mobile app for a $6 fee.