The United States President, Donald Trump, has announced that undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older must register with the federal government or face fines and potential imprisonment.
The Department of Homeland Security introduced this new rule on Tuesday, aiming to intensify the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. Non-compliance could result in financial penalties of up to $5,000 and jail terms of up to six months.
According to Daily Mail, his policy marks a significant step in the administration’s broader crackdown on undocumented immigration, signalling stricter enforcement and heightened accountability for those residing in the U.S. without legal status.
DHS spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, reinforced the Trump administration’s firm stance on immigration enforcement, saying those in America illegally must leave immediately.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now… The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans,” he said.
DHS Secretary, Kristi Noem, stated that the department is utilizing provisions within the Immigration and Nationality Act to track and encourage the voluntary departure of undocumented migrants. Under the new directive:
Undocumented individuals aged 14 and above must create an account on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
A dedicated registration form and process will be rolled out soon, DHS officials confirmed. Parents or legal guardians must register children under 14.
After registration, individuals will be required to undergo fingerprinting, and those over 18 will receive an official registration document, which they must carry at all times.
Who Must Register and When?
According to DHS guidelines, the USCIS account creation requirement took effect immediately. However, the department has not yet provided a specific launch date for the registration form.
Those required to register include Undocumented individuals aged 14 or older who were not fingerprinted during their visa application.
Migrants who have stayed in the U.S. for 30 days or longer, must register before the 30-day mark expires.
Parents or guardians of children under 14 who remain in the U.S. for over 30 days.
Any undocumented minor who turns 14 while in the U.S. must register within 30 days of their birthday.
Lawful permanent residents, non-immigrant visa holders, individuals with employment authorization, and those granted parole into the U.S. are exempt, as they have already been registered.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
DHS has made it clear that failing to register is a legal violation and will result in civil or criminal penalties, which may include misdemeanour charges and monetary fines.
Additionally, migrants who do not update the government with changes to their address or fail to depart as required may also face legal consequences. Reports indicate that penalties could reach up to $1,000 in fines and a maximum of six months in jail.
Speaking with Fox News host Jesse Watters on Tuesday, Noem emphasized that compliance with the registration process will prevent criminal charges and facilitate a return to the migrants’ home countries.
“We will help them relocate right back to their home country,” she stated, adding that compliance could offer individuals an opportunity to return legally in the future. “When they want to be an American, then they can come and visit us again.”
