Written/Reviewed By:
Flávio DaCosta Esq.
Last Updated: May 18, 2026
Read Time: 2 mins
The United States government has recently initiated a registration process targeting two specific groups, effective immediately. This action comes after a federal judge rejected a lawsuit that claimed this alien registration requirement was unconstitutional, ruling that the organizations and agencies involved did not have standing to sue the government.
Who is required to register?
1. Undocumented Immigrants:
An estimated 2 to 3 million people who entered the U.S. without a visa, do not have a work permit, and are not currently in removal proceedings. This group also includes individuals with an approved I-130 petition who are in the 601A process. These individuals must register as part of this new mandate.
2. Canadian Citizens:
Canadians who have entered the U.S. through a land border – for example, by car via one of the bridges – and intend to stay in the country for more than 30 days are also required to register.
What happens after registration?
Once the registration is complete, individuals will be scheduled for biometrics, including fingerprinting. However, what exactly follows after the biometrics appointment remains unclear. There is concern that the process could lead to detention or deportation, as was the case with a previous program known as NSEERS.
The impact of this registration drive is still unfolding, and there is significant uncertainty about its final consequences. Citizens and residents who have undergone the process are encouraged to share their experiences to provide further insights into what might come next.
