Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To determine whether you are required to register or are already considered registered, please seek assistance from a qualified immigration legal service provider.

Travel Advisory for Immigrants: Important Considerations

Traveling as an immigrant in the United States—whether you're a lawful permanent resident (LPR), visa holder, or undocumented—requires careful planning to protect your legal status and ensure safe reentry. Here's what you need to know:

Travel as a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)

• Travel Duration: It's safest to travel outside the U.S. for less than six months at a time. Extended absences may raise questions about whether you've abandoned your U.S. residence.

• Criminal History: If you have a criminal record, especially since becoming a permanent resident, consult an attorney before leaving the United States. Certain offenses can make reentry difficult.

• Valid Documentation: Always travel with a valid green card. If your green card is lost or expired, you can still be a permanent resident, but reentry may be complicated without proper documentation.​

• Reentry Procedures: Do not sign Form I-407 (Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status) upon return, even if an immigration agent pressures you. Request to speak with an attorney and see a judge before making decisions.​

Travel as a Visa Holder

• Visa Validity: Ensure your visa is valid for reentry. Some visas may require a visa stamp for reentry, which can only be obtained at a U.S. consulate abroad.​

• Travel Restrictions: Certain visa types have travel restrictions. For instance, individuals on tourist visas (B-2) or student visas (F-1) may face challenges reentering if they have overstayed or violated visa terms.​

• Consultation: Before traveling, consult with an immigration attorney to understand how your specific visa status may affect your ability to reenter the U.S.​

Travel as an Undocumented Immigrant

• Risk of Detention: Traveling outside the U.S. can trigger a bar to reentry, making it difficult or impossible to return.​

• Legal Advice: Before making any travel plans, seek legal counsel to explore possible options for regularizing your status and understand the risks involved.​

General Travel Tips for All Immigrants

• Documentation: Carry all necessary documentation, including passports, visas, and any immigration paperwork.​

• Emergency Contacts: Have contact information for an immigration attorney or legal aid organization in case of emergencies.​

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in immigration laws or travel advisories that may affect your status.

New Alien Registration Requirement – Effective April 11, 2025

Starting April 11, 2025, all non–U.S. citizens who have been in the United States for 30 days or more—and who have not already registered through a visa, I-94, or other recognized immigration process—must register with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This includes individuals who:

• Entered the U.S. without inspection

• Have applied for or received asylum, TPS, or DACA without being issued a work permit or advance parole

• Are parents or guardians of non–U.S. citizen children under 14 who have also been in the U.S. for 30+ days

• Failure to register or carry proof of registration may lead to civil or criminal penalties

Who Is Already Registered?

You are likely already registered if you:

• Hold a green card (permanent residence)

• Have a valid visa, I-94, employment authorization, or parole stamp

• Applied for immigration benefits and were fingerprinted (e.g., I-485, DACA, TPS)

• Are in removal proceedings

• Are you a Canadian or Mexican citizen with a border crossing card or an I-94

Who Must Register Now?

You must register using Form G-325R and be fingerprinted if:

• You entered the U.S. without inspection

• You have not been issued an I-94, visa, or work permit

• You are a Canadian visitor who entered by land and did not receive an I-94

• Your child is under 14 and in the U.S. for 30+ days and has not yet registered

• Your child just turned 14 and needs to update their registration

Registration does not provide legal status, employment authorization, or protection from deportation. It is solely a government tracking requirement.

Helpful Resources on the New Alien Registration Requirement

To help our community stay informed and compliant with the new registration requirement effective April 11, 2025, CCSCC recommends the following trusted resource:

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): New Registration Requirement – Frequently Asked Questions

This guide explains:

• Who must register

• What documents are needed

• How could this requirement affect different immigration statuses

• What registration does not do (it does not confer legal status or protections)

We strongly encourage all non–U.S. citizens, especially those who entered without inspection or have no visa/I-94 record, to read the ILRC FAQ for clear, community-focused guidance.

Join Our Monthly Information Sessions

To support our community, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County (CCSCC) is hosting monthly Alien Registration informational sessions:

Every Third Friday |11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | San Jose & Gilroy Locations

To register for the San Jose session, call 408-510-4358

To register for the Gilroy session, call 408-842-4808

These sessions are free and open to the public. We will cover:

• The purpose of alien registration

• How to locate or understand your A-Number

• What to do if you’ve lost old documentation

• Updates related to registration under new federal policies

• Q&A with immigration legal experts

Termination of Parole Notices: What You Need to Know

At Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, we understand that receiving a Termination of Parole Notice can be overwhelming and confusing. If you have received such a notice, it's important to know your rights and options. Our goal is to provide you with the support you need during this challenging time.

What is Parole?

Parole is a temporary permission granted to individuals to remain in the United States for specific reasons, such as humanitarian concerns or public interest. It is not a permanent status, but it allows individuals to stay in the U.S. temporarily.

Why Might Parole Be Terminated?

Parole can be terminated for various reasons, including failure to comply with parole conditions, criminal activity, or changes in immigration policies. However, the termination notice does not necessarily mean you must leave the U.S. immediately. In some cases, parole may be terminated incorrectly or due to errors in processing.

What to Do if You Receive a Termination of Parole Notice:

1. Stay Informed:

• Carefully review the Termination of Parole Notice to understand why it was issued. In some cases, the notice may not apply to your specific situation.

• If the termination is related to a group of individuals, such as those from specific countries, there may be legal decisions that protect your parole status.

2. Do Not Leave the U.S. Immediately:

• If your parole is terminated, you may still be eligible to remain in the U.S. under other legal grounds, such as asylum or pending applications. Leaving the country could hurt your case.

• It is crucial to attend any scheduled immigration court hearings or other appointments related to your case.

3. Check Your Work Authorization:

• If your parole is terminated, it may affect your work authorization. If you have a work permit based on your parole (C11), this may also be revoked.

• If you have a valid work permit from another pending application, such as asylum (C08), it will remain valid. You may also be eligible to apply for a new work permit based on your pending asylum application.

4. Seek Legal Assistance:

• It is critical to consult with an immigration attorney or trusted legal service provider to evaluate your options. You may be eligible for other relief or legal protections, such as applying for asylum, adjustment of status, or other forms of relief.

• Our team at Catholic Charities offers legal consultations to help you navigate this process.

5. Know Your Rights:

• If you’ve received a Termination of Parole Notice, we encourage you to attend one of our Know Your Rights (KYR) Workshops. These workshops provide information about your rights, options for relief, and how to protect yourself.