The Trump administration has announced that undocumented immigrants in the U.S. could face criminal penalties, including jail time and fines, if they fail to register with the government. This new move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security revealed on Tuesday that the policy targets immigrants over the age of 13 who are living in the U.S. illegally and have not submitted fingerprints or registered with federal authorities.
Officials stated that immigrants who have not registered will be given an opportunity to do so through an online form, which has not yet been made available. Those who fail to register could face criminal charges, according to the government.
Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the move is aimed at encouraging unauthorized immigrants to voluntarily leave the U.S. She explained that the registry requirement has long been neglected by previous administrations, both Democratic and Republican. “President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now,” McLaughlin said in a statement.
The Trump administration has taken an aggressive stance on immigration, enacting policies that increase the likelihood of detention and deportation for those living in the country unlawfully. It has also been urging immigrants to leave voluntarily.
The registry applies to unauthorized immigrants aged 14 or older who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days without registering or submitting fingerprints to immigration authorities. This includes people who entered the country without being formally inspected by immigration officials.
Parents or guardians of minors who fall under the registry requirement must register on their behalf. Those who complete the registration process will receive a document that must be carried by adults at all times.
This new policy does not affect legal permanent residents, individuals granted parole, or those on visas who overstayed. It also does not apply to those with government-issued work permits or those involved in immigration court proceedings.
The policy stems from an executive order issued by President Trump last month, hours after he began his second term. The order relies on a law from the World War II era, initially created to identify suspected communists.
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