The Trump administration announced on Tuesday (25) that undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older in the United States must register and provide their fingerprints to the U.S. government or potentially face criminal prosecution.
The announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a drastic escalation of the Trump administration’s efforts to pressure millions of immigrants in the country illegally to leave voluntarily. Government officials have repeatedly implored these immigrants to depart. Now, they are adding an implicit threat.
“President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem have a clear message for those who are illegally in our country: leave now,” said Tricia McLaughlin, a department spokesperson. “If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.”
In an interview with Fox News, Noem stated that the registration of immigrants is part of an effort to “use every tool at our disposal to do exactly what President Trump promised the American people.”
Immigrants who do not register may face criminal or civil penalties, including fines.
But it is unlikely that the new rule will result in widespread compliance.
It is improbable that immigrants illegally in the country will come forward to register, especially due to Trump’s threats of mass deportations. The government also does not know where many unauthorized immigrants are, making it difficult to process them if they do not register.
Still, the measure is a sign of the Trump administration’s intention to use all available resources to create a hostile environment for immigrants in the hope that they will leave the United States voluntarily.
What you need to know about registration, according to the USCIS website:
“… all foreigners aged 14 or older who were not registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who have remained in the United States for 30 days or more must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Similarly, parents and guardians must ensure that their children under 14 are registered. Within 30 days of turning 14, the previously registered foreign child must apply for new registration and fingerprinting.
Once a foreigner has registered and appeared for fingerprint collection (unless exempt), the DHS will issue evidence of registration, which foreigners over 18 must carry and keep in their possession at all times.
It is a legal obligation for all unregistered foreigners (or previously registered children who turn 14) in the United States to comply with these requirements. Noncompliance will result in criminal and civil penalties, including misdemeanor prosecution and payment of fines.”
“Registration is not an immigration status, and registration documentation does not establish work authorization or any other right or benefit.”
Who has already registered?
• Legal permanent residents;
• Foreigners on parole in the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the parole period has expired;
• Foreigners admitted to the United States as non-immigrants who received Form I-94 or I-94W (in paper or electronic form), even if the admission period has expired;
• All foreigners present in the United States who received immigrant or non-immigrant visas prior to arrival;
• Foreigners whom the DHS has placed in removal proceedings;
• Foreigners who have been issued an employment authorization document;
• Foreigners who have applied for legal permanent residency using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, even if the applications have been denied; and,
• Foreigners who have been issued Border Crossing Cards.
Who must apply for registration
• All foreigners aged 14 or older who have not been registered and have not had their fingerprints collected (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who have remained in the United States for 30 days or more.
• The parents and legal guardians of foreigners under 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or more.
• Any foreigner, previously registered or not, who turns 14 in the United States, within 30 days after their 14th birthday.
How to register
The DHS will soon announce a form and process for foreigners to complete the registration requirement. Starting February 25, 2025, foreigners required to register must create an online account with USCIS in preparation for the registration process.
Once the registration process is implemented, foreigners will submit their registration, and parents and guardians will submit registration requests on behalf of their children under 14 through their USCIS online account.
For more information, visit: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration
Source: The New York Times and USCIS