Key Points
- Mandatory Registration for Foreign Nationals: The Trump administration has enforced the Alien Registration Act, requiring all foreign nationals staying in the U.S. for over 30 days to register with the federal government by April 11, 2025.
- Severe Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violators face fines up to $5,000 per day, imprisonment, immediate deportation, and a permanent ban on re-entry.
- Self-Deportation Encouraged: The CBP Home app has been launched to streamline voluntary deportation, offering subsidized flights and preserving future immigration opportunities.
- Impact on Immigration Policy: This regulation marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement under President Trump’s aggressive crackdown.
Washington D.C.: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a stern warning to foreign nationals residing in the country for over 30 days: register with the federal government or face severe legal consequences. This directive follows President Donald Trump’s executive order, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, aimed at restoring accountability in immigration policies.
What Does the Alien Registration Act Require?
Effective April 11, 2025, all noncitizens aged 14 and older must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they have stayed in the country for more than 30 days. Registrants must carry proof of their status at all times. The regulation applies to:
- Foreign nationals entering after April 11 (must register within 30 days).
- Children turning 14 while in the U.S. (must re-register).
- Long-term visa holders and lawful permanent residents (already considered registered).
Certain categories of immigrants, such as those holding employment authorization documents or Border Crossing Cards, are exempt from additional registration requirements.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Foreign nationals who fail to comply with the registration rule will face harsh consequences:
- Daily Fines: $998 per day for overstaying after receiving a removal order; fines can escalate to $1,000–$5,000 for failure to self-deport.
- Imprisonment: Up to 30 days in jail for violating the law.
- Immediate Deportation: Individuals will be apprehended without an opportunity to settle their affairs.
- Permanent Ban on Re-entry: Non-compliant individuals will lose eligibility to return legally to the U.S.
Self-Deportation Made Easier
To facilitate voluntary compliance, DHS has launched the CBP Home app a digital tool allowing undocumented immigrants to self-deport safely. Key features include:
- Submit Intent to Depart: Users can notify DHS of their plans and receive step-by-step guidance.
- Subsidized Flights: Financial assistance is available for those unable to afford departure costs.
- Future Immigration Opportunities: Voluntary deportees may retain eligibility for legal re-entry.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that self-deportation is safer and preserves law enforcement resources for targeting dangerous criminal aliens.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
This policy is part of President Trump’s broader agenda to enforce immigration laws rigorously. During a press briefing, Secretary Noem stated:
“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy freedom and live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return.”
The administration has also launched a $200 million domestic and international campaign urging undocumented immigrants to “Stay Out and Leave Now.”
Judicial Approval of Controversial Rule
A U.S. district court recently cleared the path for implementing this regulation despite criticism from civil rights groups. Advocates argue that mandatory registration infringes on privacy rights and disproportionately impacts vulnerable immigrant communities.
Impact on Immigrants
The new rule affects millions of foreign nationals across various categories:
- Visa holders (e.g., H-1B workers) must ensure compliance if their employment status changes.
- Students must maintain proper documentation throughout their stay.
- Long-term residents must update their registration periodically.
Failure to follow these requirements could result in deportation proceedings even for individuals previously considered compliant.
The enforcement of the Alien Registration Act represents a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration policy under President Trump’s administration. While promoting national security and accountability, critics warn that these measures may exacerbate challenges faced by immigrant communities.
Foreign nationals are urged to comply promptly or opt for self-deportation via the CBP Home app to avoid severe penalties.
