US Immigration: Mandatory Registration for Undocumented Residents

Immigration authorities in the United States have announced that individuals residing in the country without legal status will soon need to register with the federal government. Failure to comply with this mandate may result in fines, imprisonment, or both.

The directive applies to everyone aged 14 and older who does not have legal status, as per a statement released on Tuesday by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, part of the Department of Homeland Security. Those required to register must provide their fingerprints and current address, and it is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to ensure registration for those under the age of 14.

This registry represents another move by the Trump administration to fulfill campaign pledges to tighten controls on illegal immigration and expel millions who are residing in the U.S. without proper authorization.

The roots of this registration requirement can be traced back to longstanding federal immigration laws, originating with the Alien Registration Act of 1940. This act emerged against a backdrop of increasing fear about immigrants and political radicals during the early period of World War II. The contemporary directives can be linked to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.

After the events of September 11, 2001, the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System was enacted, obligating noncitizen males aged 16 and older from 25 predominantly Arab or Muslim countries to register with the U.S. authorities. Although the initiative did not lead to any terrorism convictions, it resulted in more than 13,000 individuals entering deportation proceedings before its suspension in 2011 and dissolution in 2016.

Historically, the enforcement of registration laws has been inconsistent. However, current officials assert this will no longer be the case.

According to Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the administration is committed to enforcing all immigration laws uniformly to ensure the safety and security of the nation and its citizens.

The recent announcement serves both as an administrative update and a directive on compliance procedures. It stated that details on the process for registration would soon be made available. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website advises individuals to create an online account, with further registration information expected shortly.

Those who register will reportedly receive an identity card, which must be carried at all times by individuals over the age of 18.

This registry initiative also underscores the administration’s focus on immigration control, signaling a message to those living illegally in the United States.

Stephen Yale-Loehr, a respected scholar of immigration law, noted that despite potential enforcement challenges, the registry emphasizes a governmental commitment to immigration crackdowns and contributes to the anxiety already felt by immigrant communities.

Nonetheless, the announcement has faced criticism from immigrant advocates. Heidi Altman of the National Immigration Law Center criticized the move as reminiscent of past discriminatory practices sanctioned by the government against immigrants and people of color.