Judge Rules for Mandatory Registration of Undocumented Immigrants

A federal judge issued a ruling on Thursday that mandates all individuals residing in the U.S. illegally must register with the federal government and carry documentation. Judge Trevor Neil McFadden, appointed by President Donald Trump, supported the administration's stance, asserting it was enforcing an existing requirement for non-citizens.

Instead of addressing the core arguments of the Trump administration, Judge McFadden determined that the group attempting to halt the requirement lacked the necessary standing to pursue their claims. The ruling is set to take effect on Friday.

leave now. The DHS also stated that it would enforce all immigration laws.

The DHS began warning illegal immigrants in February about the potential consequences of remaining in the country. The secretary stated that the DHS would enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was established in 1952. This act provides tools to track illegal aliens and encourage their voluntary departure from the U.S.

The DHS indicated that these tools include criminal penalties for migrants who choose not to leave the U.S., fail to register with the federal government and provide fingerprints, and fail to notify the federal government of address changes. Illegal immigrants who do not depart the U.S. will face criminal charges and significant penalties.

Migrants who fail to register with the federal government could face fines, imprisonment, or both. Registration is mandatory for anyone aged 14 and older without legal status. Those registering must provide fingerprints and their address. Canadians who have been in the U.S. for over 30 days are also required to register.

While the registration requirement has long been in place for non-citizens, it has rarely been enforced. For example, it was enforced in a limited capacity after the events of September 11, 2001. The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System required noncitizen males aged 16 and older from 25 countries to register with the U.S. government.

Although the program did not result in terrorism convictions, it led to deportation proceedings for over 13,000 people. The program was suspended in 2011 and dissolved in 2016.