The Trump administration is taking a step to tighten immigration enforcement with a new mandatory online registry for illegal immigrants.
The program, announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, will require undocumented migrants, including minors over the age of 14, to submit their fingerprints and home addresses.
Once the registry is active, illegal immigrants will have 30 days to submit their personal information. Those who fail to comply could face heavy penalties, including fines up to $5,000 and a potential six-month prison sentence.
The registry is a part of Donald Trump’s broader plan to strengthen immigration laws and improve enforcement. It’s designed to bring undocumented immigrants who haven’t interacted with the government, such as those who haven’t sought asylum or a work permit, onto the radar of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
For those who register, DHS will issue a registration card. Immigrants over the age of 18 will be required to carry this card at all times as proof of registration.
The move is part of the administration’s efforts to track and monitor undocumented migrants more closely.
However, the agency made it clear that registration does not grant immigrants legal status or employment rights. It’s strictly an identification process, and failing to comply with it will result in serious legal consequences.
Once the registration website goes live, the clock will start ticking for undocumented immigrants to comply.
