The Trump administration has introduced a new mandate requiring all unauthorized immigrants living in the United States who are 14 years and older to register with the federal government. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to severe civil and criminal penalties, including fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem announced this plan on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of identifying individuals who are residing in the country illegally. The administration aims to use this information to either deport these individuals or provide them with the opportunity to leave the country voluntarily.
Secretary Noem has recently cautioned immigrants, stating that those who do not register “will be hunted down and deported.” She has referenced a provision from the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act to justify this stringent requirement. This act serves as the legal foundation for the registration of unauthorized immigrants.
This move by the Trump administration is seen as a significant step in their ongoing efforts to enforce stricter immigration policies. The decision has sparked discussions on the implications for the immigrant community and the broader immigration policy landscape in the United States.
