Who Is Considered "Registered" in the U.S. Immigration System Today?

In modern times, U.S. immigration procedures have evolved to the point where most non-citizens are automatically registered when they enter or interact with the U.S. government. Advanced systems maintained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — including US-VISIT, SEVIS, and CBP entry/exit records — ensure that individuals are documented from the moment they apply for a visa or arrive at a U.S. border.

You're Automatically Registered If You...

If you’ve taken any of the steps below, the U.S. government already has your information on file. You do not need to take additional steps to register:

·       Received a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

·       Entered the United States through a port of entry — whether by air, land, or sea.

·       Applied for an immigration benefit, such as a green card, asylum, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

·       Are a foreign student (F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa holder) and are tracked through the SEVIS system.

·       Were paroled into the U.S. (e.g., through humanitarian, Cuban, or other forms of parole).

In short: if you have had any formal interaction with immigration authorities (USCIS, CBP, ICE), you are already registered in the system.

Who Has Not Been Registered?

While most people are captured in the system, there are still exceptions. Some individuals may not be registered at all:

·       Those who entered the U.S. without inspection (EWI) — for example, by crossing a border unlawfully and avoiding contact with border officials.

·       Individuals who were never fingerprinted or processed by DHS — which may include some long-term undocumented residents.

·       Certain people in rare parole or deferred situations who have never applied for any immigration status or benefit.

In Summary

If you are lawfully present in the U.S. or have ever had contact with immigration agencies, your data is already in the system — you are considered registered.

If you entered without inspection and have never been involved in immigration proceedings or filed any application, then you may not be registered. 

Judy Chang Law Firm, National Immigration Law Firm
Copyright© Judy J. Chang, Esq. All rights reserved. 4/14/2025
The information contained in article is provided for general information only and should not serve as a substitute for legal advice.
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