As we move through 2026, many members of our community are noticing a significant shift in how the government tracks and monitors noncitizens. While the concept of alien registration has existed since the 1940s, the recent revival and modernization of these rules have created a new set of hurdles for families in Hackensack, Newark, and throughout New Jersey.
At the Law Office of Nita Kundanmal, our team of dedicated NJ immigration lawyers is seeing a surge of questions about the new biometric mandates. Because we are immigrants too, we understand the anxiety that comes with a new requirement to provide fingerprints and personal data to the government. We know that for many, this feels like an extra layer of scrutiny. However, in 2026, compliance is not just a suggestion. It is a vital step in protecting your future in the United States.
What Is the New Registration Mandate?
Federal immigration law has long required certain noncitizens to register with the government and, when applicable, provide fingerprints. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 262, this obligation applies to individuals who are 14 years of age or older, remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, and do not already have evidence that they were registered through the normal immigration process.
For many years, this requirement was satisfied automatically for most people when they applied for a visa, entered the country with inspection, or received certain immigration documents. In 2025, however, USCIS implemented a modernized registration process designed to identify individuals who were never formally registered under the existing system.
The government has introduced Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), as the primary tool for this process. This form must be filed online through a USCIS account. Filing this form allows USCIS to determine whether registration is required and, if so, whether the individual must appear at an Application Support Center for biometrics. If required, USCIS will issue a notice scheduling that appointment.
Who Is Required to Register in 2026?
We find that many people are surprised to learn they fall under these requirements. You may be required to file Form G-325R and provide fingerprints if you:
- Entered the United States without inspection (undocumented status).
- Are a Canadian visitor who entered via a land border without receiving a paper or electronic I-94.
- Lack any evidence of registration, as you might if you are a recipient of DACA or TPS but did not receive a formal admission or parole stamp (I-94) upon your last entry.
- Are a nonimmigrant who lacks evidence or prior registration or who was never formally registered and fingerprinted through the standard immigration process, and USCIS determines that registration or biometrics are required.
If you already have a valid Green Card, a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or an I-94 record (even if the period of admission has expired), you are generally considered already registered. Even for these groups, however, there are critical exceptions that we help our clients navigate every day.
The Critical 14th Birthday Rule
One of the most overlooked parts of the law involves children. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for registering children under the age of 14. However, the law is very specific about what happens when a child grows up.
Within 30 days of a child’s 14th birthday, they must apply for re-registration and fingerprinting. If your child has turned 14 recently and you have not taken this step, they could technically be out of compliance with federal law. We recommend that families treat this 14th birthday as a major legal milestone to ensure their children’s records remain clear.
Why Compliance Is Your Shield
We often tell our clients that in the current legal climate, hiding in the shadows is no longer an effective strategy. The requirement exists and can carry criminal/immigration consequences. While historically prosecutions have been rare, the government has made "willful failure to register" a high priority for enforcement. The penalties for failing to comply with these rules can be severe:
- Criminal penalties: Failure to register can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, punishable by fines or even imprisonment.
- Deportability: Failing to report a change of address within 10 days, as required by law, can make a person deportable under INA Section 237 unless the failure was reasonably excusable or not willful. Separately, willful failure to comply with registration requirements can carry criminal penalties and may have immigration consequences, depending on the circumstances.
- Barriers to Benefits: Violations (especially willful violations or related convictions) may create issues for discretionary determinations, including naturalization good moral character, depending on facts and timing. If you apply for a Green Card or Citizenship in the future, these violations could pose challenges.
How We Help: The Registration Compliance Audit
At the Law Office of Nita Kundanmal, we do not just fill out forms. We provide a comprehensive Registration Compliance Audit. We sit down with you to review your entire immigration history and determine exactly which requirements apply to your specific situation.
We help you create your USCIS online account, properly file Form G-325R, and prepare you for your biometrics appointment. More importantly, we look at the big picture. Often, the process of registering reveals that you may be eligible for an Adjustment of Status or a specific waiver.
We believe in being your voice when you cannot be heard. By handling your registration correctly today, we are paving the pathway to your American Dream and ensuring that a simple administrative mistake does not derail your life in New Jersey.
Contact the Law Office of Nita Kundanmal for a Consultation About Your Case
If you are unsure whether you need to register or if you have missed a deadline for yourself or your child, do not wait for the government to contact you. The constantly evolving enforcement rules are strict, but with the right legal partner, they can be manageable.
At the Law Office of Nita Kundanmal, we are invested in your success. We provide the empathetic, results-oriented legal counsel that our community deserves. Let us help you navigate these new requirements with confidence.
Call our office in Hackensack today at 201-890-7684 or visit our website to schedule your confidential case evaluation. We are here to ensure that there is always a way forward for you and your family.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.