Understanding Alien Registration and the Importance of Updating Your Child’s Green Card at Age 14

By Ben Wisniewski

Alien registration is a longstanding legal obligation in the United States for non-citizens residing within the country. According to Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), any alien in the United States who is 14 years of age or older, and who will remain in the country for 30 days or more, must register with the U.S. government and provide fingerprints. This mandate applies unless the individual has already completed registration as part of another immigration process.

Alien registration is not merely a bureaucratic formality—it serves as a key measure to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains accurate records about non-citizens residing in the country. On January 20, 2025, this requirement was reinforced by Executive Order 14159, which reiterated that non-compliance with registration procedures may result in civil or criminal penalties. While the order aims to streamline enforcement, its main purpose is to remind immigrants of their legal responsibilities and ensure everyone is properly documented.

How to Register

To fulfill the registration requirement, individuals must file Form G-325R (Biographic Information Registration). This form can only be submitted online via a USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) account. During the registration process, applicants will provide basic personal details and, if required, submit fingerprints. The system is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, particularly for those who may not have been fingerprinted or registered previously.

Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 are also responsible for ensuring that registration occurs for those minors. While minors under 14 are not required to complete the registration themselves, their guardians must file on their behalf when appropriate.

Who Does Not Need to Register?

While many non-citizens are required to register, there are several categories of aliens who are already considered registered and therefore do not need to file Form G-325R again. These include:

  • Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) – If you've already been granted lawful permanent resident status, you are considered registered.
  • Aliens paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5) – Even if the parole period has expired, these individuals are considered registered.
  • Nonimmigrants issued Form I-94 or I-94W – This includes paper or electronic versions, even if the period of admission has since expired.
  • Aliens issued visas before their last date of U.S. arrival – Anyone who entered the country on an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa is included here.
  • Aliens placed into removal proceedings by DHS – These individuals have been registered as part of their case.
  • Aliens with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) – If you have been issued an EAD, you are already in the system.
  • Applicants for lawful permanent residence who submitted fingerprints – This includes people who used forms like I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700, even if their applications were ultimately denied (as long as fingerprints were taken unless explicitly waived).
  • Holders of Border Crossing Cards – These individuals are also considered to have fulfilled registration requirements.

If you fall into any of the above categories, no additional action is required regarding Form G-325R. However, this does not exempt you from other responsibilities—such as replacing a Green Card when a child turns 14.

Updating Your Child’s Green Card at Age 14: A Crucial Step

An important but sometimes overlooked requirement is the need to replace your child’s Green Card when they turn 14. Lawful permanent residents who received their Green Cards before their 14th birthday must file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) within 30 days of turning 14.

This requirement exists because certain biometric and identification standards apply differently to adults than to children. Updating the Green Card ensures that your child’s documentation remains current and compliant with U.S. immigration standards.

To file Form I-90, parents or guardians can do so online or via mail. The form must include a copy of the current Green Card and an indication that the reason for filing is the child’s 14th birthday. It's vital to act within the 30-day window to ensure your child's legal status remains uninterrupted and properly documented.Filing this form is not only a legal obligation but also a proactive way to safeguard your child’s immigration record. Timely compliance with this step can prevent future complications.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, but staying compliant with the requirements is essential for maintaining lawful status. Understanding who needs to register—and who does not—can help non-citizens avoid unnecessary paperwork or legal issues.

Most importantly, if your child is a Green Card holder and is approaching their 14th birthday, make sure to file Form I-90 within 30 days to replace their card. This simple yet crucial action ensures your child remains fully documented and in good standing with immigration authorities.

About Attorney Bennett Wisniewski

Attorney Bennett Wisniewski is a Senior Attorney at Attorney at Zhang & Associates, PC. With over 18 years of experience in business immigration law, he has successfully handled hundreds of immigration cases, including EB1A, EB1B, NIW, O-1 visa, and Adjustment of Status or Consulate Processing cases.
For more information about legal services, please contact Attorney Bennett Wisniewski at bwisniewski@hooyou.com.

Founded in 1996, Zhang & Associates, P.C. offers legal services to clients worldwide in all aspects of U.S immigration law. We have successfully handled over ten thousand immigration cases.

At Zhang & Associates, P.C., our attorneys and supporting professionals are committed to providing high-quality immigration and non-immigration visa services. We specialize in NIW, EB-1, PERM, I-485 I-130, H-1B, O, L and J cases. In the past over twenty years, we have successfully helped over ten thousand clients get green cards. If you plan to apply for a green card, please send your CV to Attorney Jerry Zhang (info@hooyou.com) for a free evaluation.

Zhang & Associates, P.C.

Chicago • Houston •Seattle 

Tel: 1-800-230-7040, 713-771-8433
Email: info@hooyou.com
website: http://www.hooyou.com

 

(04/19/2025)