In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a new registration process for foreign nationals. If you are a dual citizen, your registration requirements depend on whether one of your citizenships is
citizenship.
1. Dual Citizens (U.S. + Another Country)
Dual citizens of the United States and another country are not impacted by the new DHS registration requirement, provided they have evidence of their U.S. citizenship.
- Travel Rule: U.S. dual nationals are legally required to use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States.
- Retention: The U.S. does not require citizens to file any special forms to retain their citizenship when they acquire a second nationality.
2. Dual Citizens (Two Foreign Countries, Not U.S.)
If you hold two foreign citizenships and are in the U.S. for 30 days or more, you may be subject to the new registration requirement.
- Who is already registered? You are generally exempt from the new online process if you already have valid registration documents, such as a Green Card, Form I-94, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a valid visa stamp in your passport.
- Who must register? The requirement primarily targets those without a qualifying document, such as:
- Visa-exempt Canadians who entered via a land port and were not issued an I-94.
- Foreign nationals who turn 14 while in the U.S. (must register within 30 days).
- Those who entered without inspection (EWI).
DHS’s Alien Registration Requirement
