Edit Visa & Immigration News

In a sweeping change to US immigration enforcement, a new federal mandate now requires all immigrants—including legal visa holders and permanent residents—to carry valid identification at all times while in the United States. This directive, which came into effect on April 11, has sparked significant discussion among immigrant communities and legal experts, particularly those affected, such as H-1B workers, F-1 student visa holders, and Green Card recipients.

The policy, which has been initiated under the administration of President Donald Trump, stems from a renewed emphasis on national security and internal regulation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that all non-citizens aged 18 and above are legally obligated to carry documentation proving their immigration status whenever they are outside their homes. The order emphasizes that there will be no exemptions or sanctuary for noncompliance.

This directive follows a US court ruling that cleared the path for the administration to enforce rules requiring individuals residing in the country without legal status to register with the federal government and carry proof of their identity and legal presence. However, the scope of the regulation has been expanded to include legal immigrants as well.

All immigrants residing in the US for over 30 days must now register using Form G-325R. This includes providing biometric data such as fingerprints and a current residential address. The mandate applies to individuals aged 14 and above, and those under 14 are required to re-register and submit their biometric data upon reaching that age. Moreover, anyone who changes their residential address must report the update to immigration authorities within 10 days. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $5,000.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reiterated that this policy aims to strengthen the nation's internal security. According to her, the rule ensures that the government knows who is within its borders, thereby enhancing the safety of American citizens. She stated that individuals in the US illegally are encouraged to leave voluntarily and may have a better chance of returning legally in the future.

The regulation extends to all categories of non-citizen residents, regardless of how they entered the country. This includes Indian nationals on H-1B work visas, students on F-1 visas, Green Card holders, and others who possess lawful immigration documentation like the I-94 admission record or border crossing cards.

One notable clause in the directive clarifies that legal immigrants who already possess valid visa documentation or permanent resident cards are considered to be registered. However, they are still required to carry these documents on their person at all times. If they are found without their ID during an inspection or encounter with law enforcement, they could face legal consequences, despite having legal status.

This development follows the executive order titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," signed on January 20. The order directed DHS to enforce the previously underutilized Alien Registration Act, signaling a broader shift toward strict enforcement of all existing immigration laws. This marks a departure from previous administrations that often prioritized specific categories of enforcement or adopted more lenient approaches toward certain visa holders.

For Indian nationals, who form a significant portion of the US immigrant population, especially under H-1B and F-1 visas, the regulation is particularly important. Many Indian professionals and students now need to adapt to these new requirements, ensuring they carry identification not just during travel but throughout daily life. Immigration attorneys have begun advising their clients to keep digital copies of their documents and carry at least a physical or government-issued backup ID to avoid complications.

While the law does not directly penalize legal visa holders for their registered status, failing to comply with the ID requirement—even momentarily—can lead to questioning, detention, or fines. Legal experts suggest that immigrants, especially those traveling domestically or using public transport, should exercise extra caution.

This policy marks a significant moment in the landscape of US immigration enforcement, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strict adherence to immigration law. As it stands, all immigrants in the United States are expected to be prepared to show proof of their legal status on demand, a move the administration claims is necessary for national security, but one that critics say places undue burden on legally residing individuals.

For now, all visa holders and immigrants—regardless of their legal status—should consider this new mandate an essential part of their day-to-day lives in America.