New US immigration rule requires all foreign nationals to register or face deportation, fines

In a major shift in US immigration policy, the White House has announced a sweeping new rule requiring all foreign nationals residing in the United States for more than 30 days to register with the federal government—or face severe penalties. 

This includes undocumented immigrants, visa holders (such as H-1B and F-1), legal permanent residents, and even recent arrivals without valid documentation.

Who’s impacted from the new rules?

Effective April 11, 2025, the regulation mandates that all non-citizens aged 18 and older must carry proof of registration at all times. Those entering the US after this date must register within 30 days of arrival. Children turning 14 must also re-register and submit fingerprints, regardless of any prior status.

“All foreign nationals present in the United States longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply with this is a crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

“If not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again,” she added.

She also mentioned that the deadline to register under the Alien Registration Act was on April 11 (local time).

The directive, rooted in the decades-old Alien Registration Act from World War II, was given the green light after a ruling from US District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, a Trump appointee, who dismissed a legal challenge by advocacy groups.

The judge ruled that the plaintiffs lacked sufficient legal standing to block the rule’s enforcement, clearing the way for the controversial regulation to take effect.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that individuals entering the US after April 11 are required to register within 30 days. Children turning 14 must also re-register and provide fingerprints, regardless of any prior registration status.

Leavitt, who also serves as assistant to President Donald Trump, emphasised that this measure was about national security and law enforcement.

The penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, in addition to deportation proceedings and a permanent ban from re-entering the country.

The move has triggered widespread concern, particularly among undocumented immigrants, temporary visa holders, and mixed-status families, many of whom fear the new policy could lead to sweeping enforcement actions and heightened scrutiny.

--Agencies