The Division of Homeland Safety has issued a sweeping directive that may have an effect on practically each overseas nationwide in the US, together with H-1B visa holders, worldwide college students, and even Inexperienced Card holders. Beneath a renewed enforcement of the Alien Registration Act, all noncitizens should now register with the federal authorities and carry proof of registration always—or face authorized penalties.
In an announcement Friday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated the Trump administration would now not permit selective enforcement of immigration legal guidelines, warning immigrants that failing to register might lead to fines, jail time, or each.
“President Trump and I’ve a transparent message for these in our nation illegally: depart now,” Noem stated. “In the event you depart now, you’ll have the chance to return and luxuriate in our freedom and dwell the American dream. The Trump administration will implement all our immigration legal guidelines—we is not going to decide and select which legal guidelines we’ll implement.”
The change stems from Government Order 14159, Defending the American Individuals In opposition to Invasion, signed by President Trump on January 20. The order requires strict immigration enforcement and revives long-dormant provisions of the Alien Registration Act—first enacted in 1940—requiring all noncitizens who stay within the U.S. for greater than 30 days to register with the federal government.
Who should register?
Based on DHS, the next guidelines now apply:
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All noncitizens who’ve been within the U.S. for greater than 30 days (as of April 11, 2025) should register instantly by way of USCIS.
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Noncitizens coming into the U.S. after April 11 should register inside 30 days of arrival.
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Kids turning 14 should re-register and submit fingerprints inside 30 days of their birthday—even when beforehand registered.
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Mother and father or guardians should register minor kids who keep within the U.S. longer than 30 days.
As soon as registered and fingerprinted, immigrants will obtain official documentation. All noncitizens age 18 or older are required to hold this proof always.
Whereas the regulation itself isn’t new, its enforcement below this administration marks a major shift. Beforehand, the registration requirement had hardly ever been enforced or publicly emphasised.
“This administration has directed DHS to prioritize enforcement,” Noem stated. “There will likely be no sanctuary for noncompliance.”
