The announcement was made via CBP’s verified account on X (formerly Twitter), in what immigration experts interpret as a renewed signal of strict enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The advisory underscores a longstanding but often overlooked federal law: Title 8, Section 1304(e) of the U.S. Code requires that “every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him.” Violations of this provision are considered misdemeanors and may result in fines, detention, or both.

Specifically, individuals who fail to carry proper registration documents may be subject to a fine of up to $100, up to 30 days in jail, or both, under the original terms of the statute. However, a new rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and published in the Federal Register on March 12, 2025—effective as of April 11—dramatically increases these penalties.

Under the revised regulation, fines can reach up to $5,000, and certain related offenses, such as failure to report a change of address or register upon entry, may lead to imprisonment of up to six months.

The advisory lists several types of documents that non-citizens may be required to carry, depending on their immigration status. Lawful permanent residents must carry their Form I-551 (Green Card), while individuals admitted on nonimmigrant visas should have Form I-94. Students are expected to carry their Form I-20, while those with work authorization may be required to show an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or Form I-766.

Crew members entering the U.S. via maritime or air vessels may need Forms I-95 or I-184, and individuals residing near the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border may use Forms I-185 or I-186. Some foreign nationals are also issued Form G-325R, introduced in earlier phases of registration policy.

These registration requirements are rooted in the Alien Registration Act of 1940, which mandated that all aliens 14 years of age or older who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register, submit biometric data, and receive documentation from immigration authorities. Failure to comply may not only jeopardize an individual’s immigration status but also lead to criminal charges under current DHS enforcement standards.

Immigration attorneys warn that in the current political climate, where enforcement measures are being aggressively pursued, it is more important than ever for non-citizens to have ready access to documents proving their legal status.

Experts recommend carrying original or high-quality digital copies of green cards, EADs, I-94 records, passports, driver’s licenses, state IDs, and pending immigration petitions. In cases of emergency or contact with federal authorities, the absence of these documents could lead to detention or legal complications.

Some legal professionals also advise U.S. citizens to store secure digital copies of their passports or naturalization certificates, especially in light of increased scrutiny and mistaken identity cases. While the advisory itself targets non-citizens, the broader environment suggests a heightened emphasis on documentation and compliance across the board.

CBP’s July 24 announcement, combined with DHS’s new penalty framework, reflects a clear intent to criminalize what were previously treated as administrative lapses. For the millions of immigrants living in the U.S., this advisory serves not merely as a legal reminder but as a warning: the failure to carry proper documentation is no longer a minor oversight—it could now be a crime.

By Mooyoung Lee (KoreaDaily.com)