In short, an Alien Registration Number (“ARN,” “A-Number,” or “Alien Number”) is a 7, 8, or 9-digit number that is assigned to non-citizen aliens when their initial immigration file is created by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). An Alien Number is very important as the number may be referenced throughout an individual’s immigration process.
For instance, an individual’s Alien Number may be utilized in the following ways:
- USCIS often utilizes Alien Numbers to track an individual’s immigration files, as well as requiring individuals to utilize their A-Number when submitting documents to the USCIS.
- A-Numbers may also be utilized to Identify individuals at certain checkpoints; and
- A-Numbers may also be utilized to determine employment eligibility and utilized on various other employee documentation.
Where Can the Alien Registration Number Be Found?
As mentioned above, if an individual misplaces or forgets their Alien Registration Number, the number may be found on a variety of different documents. Once an individual has applied to be a permanent United States resident, their A-Number will be on almost all of the documentation that they receive from USCIS. Typically, the number will be labeled as “A#” at the top of the page of most documentation. An Alien Registration Number may also be generally found:
- An A-Number can be found on an Employment Authorization Document, which is typically a nine-digit number that is found under the “USCIS#” heading.
- It is important to note that a USCIS case file number and A-Number are not the same thing, and a USCIS case file number is 13 characters, three letters followed by 10 numbers.
- In contrast, the nine-digit employee authorization number is the same number as an individual’s A-Number;
- A Notice of Action Form (Form I-797C) from USCIS contains an individual’s A-Number;
- If an individual applied for a Green Card from abroad via consular processing, then they can find their A-Number at the top of their Immigrant Data Summary.
- An individual may also locate their A-Number on the Immigrant Fee Handout page;
- A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) contains an individual’s A-Number; and
- United States Machine Readable Immigrant Visas also contain an individual’s A-Number.
Finally, an individual might still be unable to locate their A-Number on any of the above documents. In that case, they must submit a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request to USCIS to request that any documents associated with their name, including their A-Number be released to them. Importantly, a FOIA request typically takes at least 8 weeks before any information is released.
How Do I Verify an Alien Registration Number?
An employer may run a check of a worker or a work applicant’s alien registration using computerized systems such as the Immigration E-Verify system. E-Verify is a free internet program that allows prospective employers to verify whether their immigrant employees are eligible for work in the United States. Verifying an individual’s eligibility for work is important, as not doing so could result in an immigration fraud case being brought against the worker and the employer.
Currently, it is estimated that more than 700,000 employers use the E-Verify program nationwide. Additionally, the use of the E-Verify program has become mandatory in some states and for certain employers. By law, both an employer and employee must complete a Form I-9 once an employee has been hired. The employer is responsible for entering information from the employee’s Form I-9 into the E-Verify database, and a case is then created for the immigrant employee.
The E-Verify system will then run a comparison between the Form I-9 and the employee’s immigration information from other government records, which includes the employee’s:
- U.S. passport and visa;
- Immigration and naturalization records;
- State-issued driver’s licenses and identity document; and
- Social Security Administration records.
The program will then return results based on whether the information matches, which may be generated in as little as a few seconds. If the information does not match the information in the E-Verify database, the employee cannot start working for the employer. Additionally, the employer and employee have only 8 federal working days in which they can resolve any mismatched or incorrect information in the system.
As can be seen, E-Verify systems generally allow any employer to see immediately whether or not an A-number is valid. Once again, this helps employers ensure that they are not approving a forged document, such as a document with a forged alien registration number. If an employer does approve a forged document, then they may face legal penalties such as a loss of their business license, statutory fines, or even criminal consequences.
What Are Some Legal Issues Associated With Alien Registration Numbers?
One of the most common legal issues involved with Alien Registration Numbers is immigration fraud, especially in the context of forged immigrant employee documentation. In many cases, a non-citizen may be in possession of a forged document that lists either a fake or a stolen Alien Registration Number in order to assist them in gaining employment.
Importantly, this is a serious violation that can be met with serious civil and criminal consequences, such as removal or deportation from the United States. Removal, formerly known as deportation, is the legal process in which a non-U.S. citizen is removed from the United States and transported back to their country of origin.
It is important to note that if a non-United States citizen is removed from the United States, they may not be able to return for a period of 10 years or longer. Further, the non-citizen could potentially face other legal consequences as well. As such, if you are a non-U.S. citizen who is in danger of being removed from the United States, you should immediately consult with a local immigration lawyer for further advice. An immigration attorney can help protect your rights as an immigrant and can determine whether any defenses, waivers, or exceptions may apply.
Once again, employers may also be penalized for their failure to properly verify an individual’s eligibility for employment, especially in states where doing so is mandatory. Currently, the E-Verify system is not mandatory for all employers. However, as was previously mentioned, registration with the E-Verify system is required in certain employment situations.
For example, federal government employees, as well as some federal contractors, are required to utilize the system. Additionally, airport operators have the option to use the program for their badging application process.
Additionally, at least twenty states have laws associated with the mandatory use of the E-verify program, although it is sometimes only required in certain localities or situations. Regardless, all employers should become familiar with this program as it is likely to become mandatory in the future. Furthermore, there are legal consequences for participating in immigration fraud.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help With an Alien Registration Number?
As can be seen, Alien registration Numbers are a very important aspect of one’s immigration status and privileges. As such, you may have questions regarding your Alien Registration Number or if you need help locating your Alien Registration Number. If you do, consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer is in your best interests.
An experienced immigration attorney can help you obtain your ARN and assist you in reviewing all of your immigration documents to ensure that they are being filled out correctly and submitted timely. Additionally, if you have been summoned to any hearing, then an immigration attorney can represent your interests at those hearings and assist you in resolving any immigration issues.
