New Immigrant Identification Rule in the Trump Administration

The Trump administration has recently rolled out a significant directive affecting immigrants in the United States, mandating that all non-citizens—including those holding Green Cards, H-1B, and F-1 visas—must carry valid identification documents at all times. This directive stems from a recent US court ruling that upheld the administration’s request for stricter registration of immigrants with federal authorities. The new rule took effect on April 11, marking a pivotal shift in immigration policy enforcement.

The Directive from the Department of Homeland Security

In an official statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that “All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times.” This reinforces the administration’s commitment to enforcing existing immigration laws rigorously. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem noted, “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.” The administration is manifesting a zero-tolerance policy toward non-compliance with immigration laws, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding its stance.

Alien Registration Act Requirement

The directive is integrated with the enforcement of the long-overlooked Alien Registration Act, which stipulates that “all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, must apply for registration and fingerprinting.” Immigrants arriving in the U.S. after April 11 must register within 30 days, or face serious consequences that may include fines and imprisonment. Furthermore, parents or legal guardians are tasked with registering children under 14, who must re-register and provide fingerprints once they reach the age of 14.

Upon successful registration, immigrants will receive proof that they must carry at all times. This paperwork becomes vital, as failure to present this identification can lead to severe penalties.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the new regulations carries significant risks. Immigrants failing to adhere to the rules could incur fines up to $5,000, face imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Specifically, individuals must report any changes of address to USCIS within ten days; neglecting to do so can also result in similar fines and penalties. The USCIS explicitly noted that “Any alien who has failed to comply with the change-of-address notification requirements is deportable,” emphasizing the strict stipulations under the new policy.

Exemptions Under the New Rule

While the new rule imposes stringent requirements, certain groups are exempt from this mandate. American Indians born in Canada, entering under section 289 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, are not subjected to these registration requirements. Conversely, individuals who have not applied for a visa through the Department of State, entered the U.S. unlawfully, or are Canadian visitors lacking proof of registration must adhere to the new regulations.

Implications for Indian Green Card, F-1, and H-1B Visa Holders

For Indian nationals residing in the U.S. on valid visas—whether educational (F-1), employment-based (H-1B), or those holding a Green Card—the directive has pivotal implications. These individuals are already considered registered; however, they must now ensure that they carry valid identification at all times. This includes being prepared to show proof of registration upon demand from authorities, underscoring an essential shift towards rigorous compliance in immigration protocols.

Immigrants must remain vigilant in adhering to the new rules and ensure they stay informed about any changes that could affect their status or requirements moving forward.

As the administration continues to implement stringent enforcement of immigration laws, understanding these new requirements is vital for all immigrants navigating the U.S. landscape. The obligation to maintain identification at all times and the repercussions for non-compliance lie at the heart of this new directive, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing conversation surrounding immigration in the United States.