Trump Creates Registry for Undocumented Immigrants or Face Penalties/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration announced a new registry for undocumented immigrants, requiring individuals 14 and older to register, provide fingerprints, and submit their address. Those who fail to comply may face fines, imprisonment, or both, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The policy aims to identify, detain, and deport individuals living in the U.S. illegally.
Immigrant Registry Quick Looks
- Trump administration launches national registry for undocumented immigrants
- Registration mandatory for all immigrants in the U.S. illegally, ages 14 and up
- Failure to register could lead to fines, imprisonment, or prosecution
- Policy draws from the Immigration and Nationality Act for legal authority
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to develop the registration process
- Critics say registry targets noncitizens for detention and deportation
- National Immigration Law Center compares policy to 1940s registration campaign
- Trump aims to fulfill campaign promises on immigration enforcement
Trump Creates Registry for Undocumented Immigrants or Face Penalties
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration unveiled a new immigrant registry system that requires all undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older to register with the federal government, submit fingerprints, and provide a current address.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited the Immigration and Nationality Act as the legal basis for the policy, emphasizing that failure to register will be treated as a criminal offense.
“An alien’s failure to register is a crime that could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both,” DHS stated.
How the Registry Works
Key Points:
- Who must register: Undocumented immigrants 14 years and older
- Information required: Name, address, and fingerprints
- Penalties: Fines, prison time, or both for noncompliance
- Responsible agency: USCIS to develop registration forms and processes
President Donald Trump first outlined plans for the registry in a January executive order, highlighting it as part of his broader immigration crackdown.
Legal & Historical Context
What law is being cited?
- Immigration and Nationality Act: Provides authority for noncitizen registration
- DHS claims the law has been “ignored for decades” until now
Historical Comparison:
- The National Immigration Law Center notes that the last comprehensive registration was under the Alien Registration Act of 1940, aimed at identifying individuals seen as national security threats.
“Any attempt to create a new registration process would likely be used to identify and target people for detention and deportation,” the group warned.
Questions & Concerns
Will immigrants voluntarily register?
- Immigration advocates are skeptical, fearing the registry could be used to track and deport participants.
Critics’ concerns:
- Civil liberties: Potential violation of privacy and constitutional rights
- Chilling effect: Immigrants may avoid schools, hospitals, or law enforcement out of fear
- Historical parallels: Critics draw comparisons to previous discriminatory registries
Trump’s Immigration Goals
What the administration says:
- The registry will enhance national security and target criminal immigrants
- Trump promises swift deportations for noncompliant individuals
Broader immigration agenda:
- Plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants
- Efforts to restrict asylum seekers and seal U.S. borders
What’s Next?
Timeline:
- USCIS to roll out registration forms in the coming weeks
- Compliance deadline expected within months
Potential outcomes:
- Legal challenges are expected as civil rights groups prepare lawsuits
- Immigration attorneys advise individuals to seek legal counsel before registering
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