What to Know About the U.S. Registration Requirement for Immigrants

Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will restore a federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1302) that has largely been inactive. The law says that individuals who enter the United States without a valid visa must register with the federal government and carry proof of registration on them while inside the country.

There is a list of individuals who may have already been fingerprinted and have specific types of documentation who will likely be unaffected by this action. To find out if you are on that list you can check out the USCIS registered aliens list. These individuals would not have to do anything in response to the reanimating of the law, but they may have to start carrying their proof of registration to avoid legal repercussions.

The U.S. immigration system can be confusing, and since it is always evolving, especially with the incoming of a new presidential administration, having assistance when navigating it can be advantageous. The Atlanta immigration attorneys at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. are experienced, resourceful, and always stay on top of all of the changes that take place within U.S. immigration law to efficiently and effectively provide immigration solutions that help foreigners achieve success in their journey to the U.S.

How Does Registration Affect Immigrants? 

The registration of aliens law requires all noncitizens who are 14 years of age or older and who are in the country but who have not been registered and fingerprinted to contact the federal government to register. This must happen within 30 days of coming into the country. Failure to register within the 30-day timeframe will result in criminal prosecution. Additionally, any adult immigrant who does not have their registration on them or who cannot produce it when stopped by a federal agent will also be criminally prosecuted.

Essentially, individuals who entered the country without inspection and who have not had contact with the federal government after entering would not have the documentation they need and that would render them unregistered. Also, individuals who are in the country and who have applied for certain benefits, such as DACA but who have yet to receive approvals and fingerprinting, would also be considered unregistered. Unregistered individuals, under the law, are subject to criminal penalties.

It is not a crime to be in the United States without immigration status, but rather a civil violation that often results in deportation. With the enactment of this federal law for registration 8 U.S.C. § 1302, individuals who entered into the country without inspection and contact with the federal government now have to figure out what to do. If they choose to register, they could be vulnerable to being arrested and placed in removal proceedings by authorities. On the other hand, if they are caught without registration documentation, they will be facing criminal prosecution.

Speak with an Atlanta Immigration Attorney Today 

For a consultation to discuss your immigration needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. at 404-523-3611. One of our Atlanta, GA, immigration lawyers is here to help.

Source:

uscis.gov/alienregistration