Trump Administration Enforces Alien Registration Rule

Photo: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

India-West Staff Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C.— In a move aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a renewed focus on the alien registration requirements under U.S. immigration law, following the issuance of Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, signed by President Donald Trump.

This basically means any immigrant, even those who are here legally on a work or study visa, are now required to carry proof of their legal status at all times. 

Those arriving in the US on or after April 11 have to register within 30 days. Those failing to do do may be fined, imprisoned, or both.

• The executive order directs DHS to prioritize both civil and criminal enforcement of alien registration requirements under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
• Under this provision, nearly all noncitizens aged 14 and older who remain in the United States for 30 days or more—and who were not previously registered and fingerprinted while applying for a visa—must register with the U.S. government and submit biometric information.
• The law also requires parents and legal guardians of children under 14 to ensure those minors are registered.
• Once registration and fingerprinting (if not waived) are completed, DHS will issue proof of registration.
• Aliens aged 18 and older are legally required to carry this documentation at all times.
• Failure to comply with these requirements may result in significant consequences, including fines, misdemeanor charges, and possible incarceration of up to 30 days.
• Each offense may be punishable by fines of up to $5,000.
• To facilitate compliance, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced Form G-325R, Biometric Information (Registration).
• This new form and an accompanying online process are now available for unregistered aliens to meet their legal obligations under the INA.