Washington: Foreign nationals living in the United States have now been made mandatory to register under federal law. The Trump administration has again strictly implemented the ‘Alien Registration Act’ and made it clear that those who are present in the US for more than 30 days are required to register by April 11 (local time).
This decision has been taken under the executive order “Protecting the American people against invasion” signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, in which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been directed to re-implement old laws to ensure the security of the country.
Homeland Security Secretary’s strict warning
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said in a press briefing on Friday, “For those who are living illegally in the US, this is the last chance. If you leave the country now, you may have the opportunity to come back in the future and live an American life. But if you violate the rules, you will be arrested, fined, deported and never allowed to enter the US again.”
He further said that the Trump administration will strictly enforce all immigration laws of the country and there will be no longer any discernment as to which law to enforce and which not.
Registration rules and guidelines
Under an interim final rule issued by DHS and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on March 12, the registration process has been clarified:
-Foreign nationals who have been staying in the US for more than 30 days by April 11, 2025, will have to compulsorily register if they do not have proof of it. – Individuals entering the US on or after April 11 will have to register within 30 days of arriving in the country.
– Children who have completed the age of 14 will also be required to register again, even if they were already considered registered.
– Parents will have to ensure that their minor children, who are staying in the US for more than 30 days, register on time.
Strict punishment for breaking the rules
If a person does not register, it will be considered a criminal offense. In such cases, the culprits can be fined heavily, sentenced to jail, and deported from the country. The administration’s objective behind implementing this law is to ensure the security of the country’s borders and to know who is living in America.
Impact and reaction
The implementation of this new policy is likely to affect millions of immigrants living in America. Many immigrant groups and human rights organizations are criticizing this move, but the Trump administration is calling it necessary from the point of view of national security. Homeland Security Secretary Noem says, “We need to know who is in our country to protect our homeland. This step is extremely important to protect America and Americans.” This new registration requirement is extremely important for all foreign nationals living in the US. Failure to register within the deadline can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, all immigrants should prepare their documents and complete the official registration process as soon as possible.
