Immigrants who are currently legally studying or working in the US need to carry proof of their legal status all the time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Friday.
The department said in a statement: “Upon registration and fingerprinting, DHS will issue proof of registration. All noncitizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times. This administration has directed DHS to prioritize enforcement, there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance.”
The announcement was made by US President Donald Trump’s administration after a court allowed it to enforce a rule that now requires illegal immigrants in the nation to register with the government and carry documentation.
The new rule came into effect on April 11.
DHS said the new law requires all ‘aliens’ in the United States for more than 30 days to register with the federal government.
“Failure to comply is a crime, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both,” DHS said in a statement.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said: “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 our freedom and live the American dream.”
“The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans,” Noem said.
According to immigration attorneys, those who entered the US on a valid visa (be it a work, study, travel visa) or hold a green card, employment authorisation document (EAD), border crossing card or a I-94 admission record are considered already registered and should not be impacted by the new registration process, reported The Times of India.
However, even such ‘already registered’ foreign nationals– such as those on an H-1B visa or even international students, which include Indians- will need to carry documentation with them around the clock, the newspaper reported.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to restore order and accountability to our immigration system.
On or by April 11, 2025, the following will apply to all noncitizens, regardless of status:
Present in the U.S. for 30 days or more as of April 11, 2025, without registration evidence: Register immediately via USCIS.
Entering on or after April 11, 2025, without registration evidence: Register within 30 days of arrival.
Turning 14 in the U.S.: Re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of your 14th birthday, even if previously registered.
Parents or guardians of minors under 14: Register minors if they remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.
