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Here you will find important information about your rights as an immigrant in the United States and what to do if you’re stopped by immigration authorities.
Your Rights
- You can stay quiet if asked about your immigration status or where you’re from.
- Just say: “I choose to remain silent.”
- You have the right to talk to a lawyer before answering questions or signing any papers.
- Don’t sign anything unless your lawyer says it’s okay.
- Officers need a warrant signed by a judge to come inside your home.
- Ask to see the warrant. If they don’t have one, you can say, “I do not give you permission to enter.”
What to Do If You Are Stopped
- Don’t run or fight back. Keep your hands where they can see them.
- If they detain you, tell them you want to speak with your lawyer and do not answer any other questions.
- Carry a copy of your immigration papers (if you have them), but keep the originals somewhere safe.
- If you have a card that explains your rights, you can show it to the officers.
- Memorize important phone numbers for family members or your lawyer in case you don’t have access to your phone.
- Below you will find printouts with details about your rights and steps you can take to protect yourself. Please keep it handy and review it with your family.
We Are Here for You
If you have questions or need support, call us at 212.227.8020 or email us at john@johnicelli.com.
We’re here to help you stay informed and protected.You are not alone in this journey. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way. “
Alien Registration Requirement – Simple Explanation
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed a new order called Protecting the American People Against Invasion. This order tells the U.S. government to make sure that all non-citizens living in the U.S. follow the law by registering with the government. If someone does not register, they may face legal punishment.
Who Must Register?
- If you are 14 years or older, were not registered or fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa, and stay in the U.S. for 30+ days, you must register.
- Parents or guardians must register their children under 14 years old if they stay in the U.S. for 30+ days.
- If a child turns 14 years old, they must re-register within 30 days.
What Happens After Registration?
- After registering and getting fingerprinted (if needed), the government will give proof of registration.
- If you are 18 or older, you must always carry this proof.
- Not registering can lead to fines or criminal charges.
Who Has Already Registered?
You are already registered if you have:
- A Green Card (lawful permanent resident)
- A visa (immigrant or nonimmigrant) before entering the U.S.
- A Form I-94 (nonimmigrant entry record)
- An employment authorization card
- Been placed in removal proceedings by DHS
- Applied for a Green Card using certain forms (I-485, I-687, etc.)
Who Has Not Registered?
You are not registered if you:
- Entered the U.S. without inspection or without a visa
- Are a Canadian visitor who entered at a land border without registration
- Applied for DACA or Temporary Protected Status but were not given registration proof
Who Does NOT Have to Register?
- American Indians born in Canada – If they entered the U.S. under Section 289 of the INA, they do not need to register.
- Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians – Members who entered under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act are exempt from registration.
How to Register?
- The government will soon announce the registration process and a new form.
- Starting Feb. 25, 2025, you should create a USCIS online account to prepare.
- Once available, you must submit the registration through your USCIS online account.
🚨 Failure to Register = Serious Consequences 🚨
- Misdemeanor Prosecution – Legal action that could lead to criminal charges.
- Monetary Fines – You may be fined for not registering.
- Potential Immigration Consequences – Not registering could affect your immigration
DHS Warning: Failure to register will be a top priority for both civil and criminal enforcement under the new executive order.
Register Now to avoid serious penalties!
Important Warnings
- Registration is NOT the same as legal status – it does not give you permission to work or stay in the U.S.
- Beware of scams – only get immigration advice from authorized professionals.
International Entrepreneur Parole Program
International Entrepreneur Parole Program:
A Way for Foreign Nationals to Start a Business in the U.S.
The International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) Program allows certain foreign entrepreneurs to stay in the U.S. temporarily to start and grow a business. While it is not a visa, it offers similar benefits. This program is for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for other visa programs but want to build a startup and contribute to the U.S. economy.
What Is the International Entrepreneur Parole Program
The program allows foreign entrepreneurs to come to the U.S. to run a startup if they can show their business will grow quickly and create jobs. It was first introduced under the Obama administration, paused under Trump, and restarted under Biden in 2021 to boost the economy.
The U.S. does not have a “startup visa,” which makes it harder for foreign entrepreneurs to come and start businesses. The IEP program helps fill this gap.
Key Points: This is not a visa, but a parole status
- Temporary Stay & Work: This allows you to live and work in the U.S. temporarily.
- No Green Card: It does not lead to permanent residency (a green card).
- For Entrepreneurs: This is for foreign entrepreneurs whose businesses provide significant public benefit to the U.S.
- Case-by-Case Approval: The Department of Homeland Security decides each case individually.
- No Change of Status: You cannot switch to this status from another U.S. visa (like an F-1 student visa).
- Must Leave & Reenter: If you are in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you must leave the country and reenter under parole status.
Benefits of the Program
- Stay in the U.S. for up to 5 years (initially 30 months, with a possible 30-month extension).
- Work for your startup—this is the only job allowed under this program.
- Spouses can apply for work authorization, but children cannot work.
- Open to entrepreneurs from any country, unlike some visas that have nationality restrictions.
Requirements to Qualify
- Your startup must be less than 5 years old at the time of application.
- You must own at least 10% of the company
- You must actively run the business (not just invest money).
- The startup must have:
- At least $250,000 in investment from U.S. investors -OR-
- At least $100,000 in government grants -OR-
- Strong evidence that the business will grow quickly and create jobs.
- Only 3 entrepreneurs per startup can receive IEP status.
Extending Your Stay
To extend the parole period beyond 30 months, your business must show progress by
meeting at least one of these:
- Business continues to operate.
- Entrepreneur retains >5% ownership interest and maintains active role
- Created at least 5 jobs in the U.S.
- Raised $500,000 in investment or grants.
- Earned $500,000 in revenue, with an average 20% annual growth.
Important Limitations
- Important Limitations
- This is NOT a path to a green card. If you want permanent residency, you must apply through another visa category.
- If your business fails or stops growing, your status may be revoked
How to Apply
- Pay USCIS fees: $1,285
- Submit Form I-941 (Application for Entrepreneur Parole)
- Provide evidence:
● Proof that your business qualifies as a startup
● Proof of at least 10% ownership
● Proof of your active role in the business
● Proof that your business will benefit the U.S. economy
Each application is reviewed individually. There is no guarantee of approval. If your
startup fails or stops benefiting the U.S. economy, your parole status may be revoked.
For more details, visit the USCIS website or consult our immigration attorney at John
Nicelli & Associates.
Alien Registration Requirement: Form G-325R Explained
📢 New U.S. Registration Rule Starts April 11, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made a new rule. Starting April 11, 2025, some foreign nationals (people from other countries) must register with the U.S. government if they stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more.
These people must fill out Form G-325R (Biographic Information). This is now the official form used for registration if you do not have an Alien Registration Number (A-Number).
Why This Matters
If you do not register when required, you may be:
- Fined up to $5,000
- Sent to jail for up to 6 months
- Or both
Who Must Complete Form G-325R?
You must file this form within 30 days of entering the U.S. if:
1. You are staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more and don’t have an A-Number.
2. You are applying for immigration benefits like:
- Green Card (Form I-485)
- Reentry Permit (Form I-131)
- Employment-based visa benefits
- Visas that need biographic information checks
3. You were not fingerprinted or registered when you applied for your visa.
4. You turn 14 years old while in the U.S. (must register within 30 days).
5. You are a parent or legal guardian of a child under 14 (you must register the child).
Who Does Not Need to File?
You do not need to file if:
- You were fingerprinted and registered when you got your visa.
- You hold A or G visas (for diplomats and international workers).
- You already received an Alien Registration Number from USCIS.
What Information Do You Need to Provide?
You will be asked for:
1. Personal Info:
- Full name, any other names used
- Date/place of birth
- Gender
- Country of citizenship
- A-Number (if you have one)
2. Where You Have Lived:
- Your current U.S. address
- All addresses from the past 5 years
3. Work History:
- Current job and address
- All jobs from the past 5 years (with dates and job titles)
4. Marriage and Family Info:
- Your marital status
- Spouse’s name, birth date, and birthplace
- Date and place of your marriage
- Past marriages, if any
5. Background:
- If you’ve been arrested or detained
- Military service, if any
- Past visa issues or deportation actions
How to File Form G-325R
- Go to https://my.uscis.gov and create an account.
- Fill out and submit Form G-325R online starting April 11, 2025.
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