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📢 Upcoming USCIS Registration Requirement: What VT Needs to Know
A major policy shift is on the horizon: USCIS is implementing a registration requirement for all immigrants who did not enter with a visa, and a requirement to carry proof of registration in public, at risk of criminal sanctions which could trigger immigration sanctions.
While legal challenges are ongoing, experts believe the rule is likely to go into effect on April 11 as scheduled (American Immigration Council).
There are serious risks to registering, or not, that individual immigrants will want to understand before taking action (National Immigration Law Center).
This change could dramatically impact Vermont’s immigrant communities - exacerbating fear, misinformation, predatory Notario consumer fraud, and strain on legal service providers, making it even harder for individuals to access protection.
Review the USCIS materials on this new requirement here.
We recognize that:
✅ There are too few legal service providers to offer one-on-one consultations to every affected person about whether and how they register.
✅ Getting legal help for registration itself will be nearly impossible given our system’s existing capacity crisis.
✅ The stakes are high—and fear IS the strategy. Inspiring "self-deportation" is their goal, and nothing in this new policy abridges immigrant communities' rights to seek asylum or other relief!
What VAAP is doing:
🔹 Working with partners, the state, and congressional leaders to ensure Vermont immigrants get accurate, timely information on what to do next.
🔹 Developing tools and Know Your Rights (KYR) resources so people can support each other in making informed decisions.
We honor the fear and confusion this policy is creating. But we also want to reassure our communities: we are not powerless.
By working together, we can prepare, share knowledge, and protect as many people as possible.
📢 Stay tuned for more guidance soon.
In the meantime, spread the word and keep asking questions!
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