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Comprender el nuevo requisito de registro de extranjeros del USCIS: Lo que necesita saber
Angelica Rice • March 6, 2025
Click here to read this article in English
En enero de 2025, el gobierno de Estados Unidos introdujo un mandato que exige a todas las personas sin estatus legal en el país que se registren ante las autoridades federales. Esta iniciativa pretende mejorar la seguridad nacional y garantizar el cumplimiento de las leyes de inmigración vigentes. Si usted o alguien que conoce se ve afectado por este cambio, es esencial que entienda los detalles de este requisito y cómo cumplirlo.
¿Quién está ya registrado?
Muchas personas ya han cumplido sus obligaciones de registro mediante interacciones previas con las autoridades de inmigración estadounidenses. Se le considera registrado si se le ha expedido alguno de los siguientes documentos:
- Tarjeta de Residente Permanente Legal (Green Card)
- Formulario I-94 o I-94W (registro de llegada/salida), aunque haya expirado el período de admisión
- Visado de inmigrante o no inmigrante expedido antes de la llegada
- Documento de autorización de empleo (EAD)
- Tarjeta de paso de fronteras
Además, si ha solicitado la residencia permanente legal utilizando formularios como el I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698 o I-700, aunque le hayan denegado las solicitudes, o si ha obtenido el permiso temporal de viaje para entrar en Estados Unidos en virtud del artículo 212(d)(5) de la INA, ha cumplido el requisito de inscripción.
¿Quién debe inscribirse ahora?
Si no se ha registrado a través de ninguno de los medios mencionados anteriormente, está obligado a registrarse en virtud del nuevo mandato. Esto incluye:
- Personas de 14 años o más que no se registraron ni tomaron las huellas dactilares al solicitar el visado y han permanecido en Estados Unidos durante 30 días o más. Deben solicitarlo antes de que expiren esos 30 días.
- Padres o tutores legales de niños menores de 14 años que no hayan sido registrados y hayan permanecido en Estados Unidos durante 30 días o más. Deben inscribir a sus hijos antes de que finalice el periodo de 30 días.
- Toda persona que cumpla 14 años en Estados Unidos y haya estado empadronada anteriormente. Deben solicitar el reempadronamiento y la toma de huellas dactilares en los 30 días siguientes a su 14 cumpleaños.
En particular, los indios americanos nacidos en Canadá que entraron en Estados Unidos en virtud de la sección 289 de la INA y los miembros de la Banda de Indios Kickapoo de Texas que entraron en virtud de la Ley de la Banda de Indios Kickapoo de Texas están exentos de este requisito.
¿Cómo registrarse?
El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS) está desarrollando un nuevo formulario y proceso de registro. A partir del 25 de febrero de 2025, las personas que deban registrarse deberán crear una cuenta en línea del USCIS para preparar el proceso de registro. Una vez implementado el proceso, las inscripciones se presentarán a través de esta cuenta en línea.
Consideraciones importantes
- El registro no es un estatus de inmigración: completar el registro no otorga ningún estatus migratorio, autorización de empleo u otros derechos o beneficios bajo la ley estadounidense.
- Consecuencias del incumplimiento: el incumplimiento del requisito de registro puede dar lugar a multas, penas de prisión o ambas.
En Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., estamos comprometidos a guiarlo a través de este proceso con compasión y experiencia. Nuestros abogados de inmigración de confianza están aquí para proporcionar la información y la ayuda que usted necesita durante este tiempo. Para una guía personalizada y apoyo, por favor contacte a Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., y hable con uno de nuestros abogados de inmigración con experiencia. Estamos dedicados a ayudarle a navegar estos cambios y asegurar un futuro esperanzador.
Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.
In January 2025, the U.S. government introduced a mandate requiring all individuals without legal status in the country to register with federal authorities. This initiative aims to enhance national security and ensure compliance with existing immigration laws. If you or someone you know is affected by this change, it's essential to understand the specifics of this requirement and how to comply. Who Is Already Registered? Many individuals have already fulfilled their registration obligations through prior interactions with U.S. immigration authorities. You are considered registered if you have been issued any of the following documents: Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Form I-94 or I-94W (Arrival/Departure Record), even if the period of admission has expired Immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before arrival Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Border Crossing Card Additionally, if you have applied for lawful permanent residence using forms such as I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700, even if the applications were denied, or if you were paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5), you have met the registration requirement. Who Needs to Register Now? If you have not been registered through any of the means mentioned above, you are required to register under the new mandate. This includes: Individuals aged 14 or older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a visa and have remained in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. They must apply before the expiration of those 30 days. Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 who have not been registered and have been in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. They must register their children before the 30-day period ends. Any individual who turns 14 years old in the U.S. and was previously registered. They must apply for re-registration and fingerprinting within 30 days after their 14th birthday. Notably, American Indians born in Canada who entered the U.S. under section 289 of the INA and members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians who entered under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act are exempt from this requirement. How to Register The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is developing a new form and process for registration. Starting February 25, 2025 , individuals required to register should create a USCIS online account in preparation for the registration process. Once the process is implemented, registrations will be submitted through this online account. Important Considerations Registration Is Not an Immigration Status: Completing the registration does not grant any immigration status, employment authorization, or other rights or benefits under U.S. law. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to guiding you through this process with compassion and expertise. Our trusted immigration lawyers are here to provide the information and assistance you need during this time. For personalized guidance and support, please contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., and speak with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We are dedicated to helping you navigate these changes and securing a hopeful future.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing new restrictions on migrants, including limitations on asylum and humanitarian protections. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate all categorical parole programs that conflict with U.S. policies , which includes parole processes for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals. Additionally, this provision could impact parole programs for individuals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries. Beyond restricting parole, the executive order introduces several border security measures , including building more physical barriers, increasing the number of border personnel, and stopping the use of the CBP One mobile application . The order specifically directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and DHS to build more border walls to establish what it calls “complete operational control” of the southern border. Additionally, it ordered the immediate shutdown of the CBP One mobile app, which previously allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. Ports of Entry. As a result, all existing appointments have been canceled immediately . The order also initiates the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program , also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) , across all sectors of the southern border. Under MPP, asylum seekers must remain in Mexico while awaiting the outcome of their U.S. immigration court proceedings, significantly altering the process for those seeking refuge in the country. These measures reinforce the Trump administration's broader effort to restrict asylum and humanitarian protections at the U.S. border . If you or someone you know may be affected by this executive order, it is essential to stay informed and understand your legal rights. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help navigate these evolving policies and ensure the best course of action moving forward.
The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign investors from treaty countries to live and work in the United States by starting or purchasing a business. Unlike other visa categories, it does not require a fixed minimum investment amount. Instead, applicants must demonstrate that their investment is substantial and sufficient to ensure the success of their business. The visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains active and meets the necessary criteria, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking long-term opportunities in the U.S. One of its key advantages is flexibility. Investors can establish a new business, acquire an existing one, or enter into franchise opportunities. Additionally, spouses and children under 21 can accompany the primary applicant, with spouses eligible to apply for work authorization. This makes the E-2 Visa a practical option for business-minded individuals looking to establish themselves in the U.S. market. While the E-2 Visa itself has remained a stable option, shifts in U.S. immigration policies have influenced the application process and overall investor experience. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone considering this pathway. Policy Shifts and the E-2 Visa: Lessons from the Past During the first Trump administration (2017–2021), U.S. immigration policies became more restrictive across multiple visa categories. Although the E-2 program was not directly limited, broader changes had an impact. The "Buy American, Hire American" Executive Order, signed in 2017, led to heightened scrutiny of visa applications, requiring investors to provide stronger evidence that their business would create jobs and contribute to the U.S. economy. This resulted in an increase in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and denials for those unable to meet these expectations. Another significant change was the suspension of the Interview Waiver Program, which meant all E-2 applicants, including renewals, had to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies. This extended processing times and increased scrutiny of applications. Additionally, visa reciprocity agreements were reviewed and adjusted, impacting validity periods and costs for certain countries. For instance, Iranian citizens were deemed ineligible for the E-2 Visa due to the termination of the treaty. These adjustments significantly affected investors from impacted nations, increasing their costs and renewal frequency. Despite these policy shifts, the approval rate for E-2 visas remained relatively stable. According to data from the U.S. Department of State, there were over 43,000 approvals in 2019, reflecting the program’s continued viability. Even in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused global disruptions, approval numbers remained significant. These figures highlight that while the process became more rigorous, well-prepared investors continued to secure visas by demonstrating strong business plans, substantial investments, and clear economic contributions. What to Expect Moving Forward As the new Trump administration takes shape, further immigration policy changes are likely. While it is too soon to predict the exact impact on the E-2 Visa, past trends suggest increased scrutiny. However, the program itself has remained intact across multiple administrations, reinforcing its reliability for foreign entrepreneurs. Those considering this visa should stay informed and ensure their applications meet evolving requirements. A well-prepared investment strategy, clear documentation, and a defined job creation plan can make a significant difference in navigating any potential policy shifts. Why the E-2 Visa Remains a Strong Choice The E-2 Visa continues to be a resilient and valuable option for foreign entrepreneurs. Even during periods of policy change, approval rates have remained strong for investors with well-structured applications. The ability to renew indefinitely, combined with its flexibility in investment size and business type, makes it one of the most attractive pathways for international investors. With the right preparation, investors can confidently pursue the E-2 Visa, knowing that history has shown its stability even amid shifting political landscapes. By staying ahead of policy changes and ensuring a solid business strategy, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the opportunities the U.S. market has to offer. If you are ready to take the next step toward launching your business in the U.S., you can contact our office for expert guidance and personalized assistance with your application.
