The Trump administration has announced the creation of a registry for all individuals who are in the United States illegally. Those who do not self-report could face fines or prosecution, immigration officials revealed on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
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According to the Department of Homeland Security, everyone who is in the U.S. illegally must register, provide fingerprints, and give an address. This registration process, which applies to individuals 14 and older, is justified under a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
This announcement comes as part of the administration’s efforts to fulfill campaign promises of mass deportations of individuals in the country illegally and tightening border security for future asylum-seekers.
Failure to register is considered a crime that could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both, the statement warned. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service is set to create a form and process for registration.
President Donald Trump’s executive order on inauguration day outlined plans for the registry, emphasizing the legal obligation for previously unregistered aliens in the U.S. to comply.
The National Immigration Law Center expressed concerns about the registry, stating that it could be used to target individuals for detention and deportation.
Published – February 26, 2025 10:31 am IST
