The Trump administration has introduced a new immigration policy requiring undocumented immigrants over the age of 13 to register with the government or face criminal penalties, including jail time and fines.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the measure on Tuesday, framing it as a way to encourage self-deportation while enforcing long-ignored laws.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now,” said DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin.
The policy is part of the administration’s broader crackdown on immigration, making it riskier for undocumented individuals to remain in the U.S.
Who Must Register?
The mandatory registry applies to:
- Undocumented immigrants 14 or older who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days.
- Individuals who have never submitted fingerprints or filed certain immigration applications.
- Immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally and were never formally inspected by immigration officials.
Who is Exempt?
- Legal permanent residents (green card holders).
- Immigrants admitted under parole programs.
- Visa holders, even if they overstayed their visas.
- Work permit holders and individuals in immigration court proceedings.
How Will the Registry Work?
Undocumented immigrants will be required to:
- Register through an online form (not yet released).
- Submit fingerprints and personal information.
- Carry a registration document at all times (for adults).
Parents or legal guardians must register on behalf of teenagers.
Failure to comply could result in:
- Criminal prosecution.
- Fines and potential jail time.
Why Is the Administration Enforcing This Policy?
- The registry is based on a World War II-era law initially used to track suspected communists.
- Officials claim previous Democratic and Republican administrations ignored this law.
- The policy aligns with an executive action Trump signed on his first day in office during his second term.
Trump’s immigration crackdown:
- The administration is taking an aggressive approach to detention and deportation.
- Officials hope the registry will pressure undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily.
