Important Reminder: Non-Citizen Must Carry Evidence of ‘Registration’ and Change of Address Requirements

‘Alien Registration’ Requirement

As reported in our previous alert, the Trump administration announced its intention to enforce all immigration laws, including the rarely enforced World War II era ‘Alien Registration Act’.

Although the vast majority of non-citizens in the U.S. today will have been ‘registered’ upon obtaining a visa or being admitted to the U.S., the Alien Registration Requirement also requires that non-citizens carry evidence of their registration at all times. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem recently announced the Administration’s intention to vigorously enforce this portion of the law, and impose severe penalties, including imprisonment, for non-compliance. While the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) legal authority to impose such penalties is doubtful, in light of recent drastic enforcement actions for seemingly insignificant immigration violations, we strongly advise that all non-citizens do their utmost to comply fully with this requirement. For nonimmigrants (e.g., H-1B, L-1, TN, E-3, F-1, J-1, O-1, etc.), the I-94 arrival-departure record with proof of identity should be adequate to show compliance. An employment authorization document (EAD), visa stamp, or permanent resident card are also sufficient for these purposes.

Change of Address Requirement

U.S. immigration law also requires that non-citizens report a change of residential address within 10 days of moving. As with the registration requirement, Secretary Noem has announced that the Administration will enforce this requirement aggressively, and impose penalties for non-compliance. Changes of address can be reported easily online using Form AR-11.

Please refer to our updated FAQs on Alien Registration and Change of Address requirements for more information on these requirements.

Alien Registration and Change of Address Requirements FAQs