Register or be deported”: Trump administration enforces 30-day rule for all foreign nationals in U.S.

All non-U.S. citizens living in the United States for over 30 days are now required to register with the federal government to prevent penalties such as fines, imprisonment, and deportation. The order, supported by the Trump administration, has been approved by a federal judge and is poised to significantly change immigration compliance standards.

The contentious regulation originates from wartime laws from World War II and has triggered concerns among immigrant advocacy organizations. Despite legal obstacles, U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden—appointed by Trump—denied a petition from advocacy groups to halt the policy, determining that the plaintiffs did not have adequate legal standing.

The updated rule mandates that all non-citizens remaining in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register with federal officials. Even individuals already deemed registered—like visa holders, green card holders, and those with work permits—are required to have documentation verifying their legal status at all times. Failure to comply may result in penalties of as much as $5,000 or a maximum of 30 days of imprisonment.

Kids who reach 14 years old need to re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days following their birthday. In the same way, foreign visitors coming after 11 April need to register within 30 days if they don’t already have registration papers.

Critics, among them prominent immigrant rights organizations, assert that the new registration regulation circumvents necessary public consultation and contravenes the Administrative Procedure Act, in the wake of Trump’s January executive order regarding immigration enforcement. The regulation is anticipated to affect millions, including those without documentation. Immigration attorneys caution that all immigrants—whether documented or not—are now required to adhere to stricter procedures, such as prompt registration and always carrying identification documents.