New US Rule Requires All Immigrants to Carry ID 24/7 — What It Means for H-1B, Green Card Holders
A controversial new immigration rule in the United States now mandates that all immigrants—including legal residents—carry documentation of their legal status at all times. This rule came into effect on April 11, 2025, following a court ruling that allowed the Trump administration to enforce a decades-old requirement as part of its broader immigration crackdown.
The directive stems from the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR), which has its roots in the Alien Registration Act of 1940. Although the original law required all non-citizens to register with the U.S. government, it was rarely enforced consistently over the decades. That changes now.
The rule is part of former President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion”, which aims to target undocumented immigration. The administration has promised strict enforcement, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prioritizing the initiative.
Who Needs to Register?
The new regulation primarily targets illegal or undocumented immigrants. According to the DHS, all non-citizens over the age of 14 who are in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register by submitting Form G-325R. Parents are responsible for registering children under 14.
Those who enter the U.S. on or after April 11 are required to register within 30 days of arrival. If they fail to do so, they could face fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, immigrants who change their address must notify the government within 10 days, or risk penalties of up to $5,000. Children who turn 14 must re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days of their birthday.
What About Legal Immigrants Like H-1B or Green Card Holders?
The rule does not require re-registration for those who are already in the U.S. legally on valid visas—such as H-1B (work) or F-1 (student) visas—or those holding green cards. These individuals are considered to have already fulfilled the registration requirement during their visa process.
However, the key change for legal immigrants is that they must now carry proof of their legal status at all times. This includes documents like their visa, I-94 form, green card, or EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
“All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement. “There will be no sanctuary for noncompliance.”
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to carry valid identification or register (if applicable) may result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Those who fail to register or who provide false information on Form G-325R could be jailed for up to six months.
It’s important to note that registration is not a guarantee of permission to stay in the U.S. It simply ensures the government is aware of the individual’s presence. The form includes detailed questions about address, family, immigration status, and even criminal history, which could be used against the individual in legal proceedings.
Impact on Indian Nationals
With over 5.4 million Indians living in the U.S.—including approximately 220,000 undocumented immigrants—this rule affects a significant population. While most Indian nationals on H-1B visas or with green cards are safe from re-registration, they must still adhere to the ID requirement to avoid legal trouble.
The move has sparked concern among immigrant communities, civil rights advocates, and international students, many of whom worry about over-policing and potential misuse of the rule.
As enforcement ramps up, immigrants—regardless of their legal status—are advised to stay informed, keep their documentation up to date, and carry it at all times.
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