A federal judge has granted approval for the Trump administration to require all individuals residing in the United States without legal immigration status to register with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This mandate, set to take effect on Friday, signifies a significant shift in the immigration strategy of the Republican president. The decision was issued on April 10 by Judge Trevor Neil McFadden, who was appointed by Donald Trump himself.
Judge McFadden dismissed the claims of the plaintiffs, who argued that the registration could be used as a tool to facilitate mass deportations. He argued that the Trump administration's action is grounded in existing legal frameworks, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act, and is merely activating a legal mechanism that has previously been used only in extraordinary circumstances.
Following the ruling, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released an urgent statement. Immigrants who have been in the country for more than 30 days are required to complete their registration by Friday. Failure to comply may result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
The registration will be mandatory for all foreign nationals over the age of 14 without legal status. These individuals must provide their fingerprints and residential addresses through a process available on the official USCIS website. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for registering minors.
The DHS emphasized, "President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now." The government's intention is to use this database as a tool to coordinate the deportation of undocumented individuals.
Announced in February, this registration does not confer any immigration status or legal work benefits, yet noncompliance will be considered a criminal offense. Penalties will also apply to those who fail to report address changes or disobey orders to leave the country.
The policy is based on a rarely used law from 1940, briefly reactivated after the September 11 attacks, which required the registration of citizens from 25 predominantly Muslim countries. That policy led to over 13,000 deportations but was dissolved in 2016 after significant criticism.
In this new scenario, immigration activists and attorneys have raised concerns regarding the ethical and legal implications of the measure. They draw parallels to historical practices of controlling vulnerable populations and fear it could stigmatize the entire immigrant community, including those without criminal records.
Despite the backlash, the White House remains steadfast, asserting that the registration is not only legal but a historical obligation that has never been effectively enforced. For the Trump administration, this step is crucial in its commitment to strengthening immigration control and prioritizing national security.
Understanding the Implications of Trump's Immigration Registry
What is the new immigration registration requirement?
The new requirement demands that all individuals in the U.S. without legal immigration status register with USCIS, providing fingerprints and residential information.
Who is affected by this policy?
The policy affects foreign nationals over the age of 14 who lack legal immigration status in the United States.
What are the consequences of not registering?
Failing to register may lead to fines, imprisonment, or both, and noncompliance will be considered a criminal offense.