The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, issued a stern warning on Tuesday to migrants who have not yet complied with the new mandatory registration process established by the United States government.
The official stated that "all foreigners present in the United States for more than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply with this obligation is a crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both penalties. If they do not comply, they will be arrested, fined, deported, and prohibited from returning to the country."
This statement reinforces the campaign of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which also warned through its social media channels that migrants who do not submit their biometric data, such as fingerprints, after registering, may face additional legal consequences.
"After registering, USCIS will send a notification to schedule an appointment for biometrics services. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in criminal penalties," the agency stated on its X account in the context of the controversial immigration policies promoted by Donald Trump.
The new mandatory registry is part of Executive Order 14159, signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, which aims to strengthen border security and immigration control in the country.
According to this regulation, migrants over the age of 14 who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days and have not been registered previously must comply with the registration process.
Additionally, parents or legal guardians are responsible for registering minors under 14 years old.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has emphasized that the registration does not provide immigration status or authorize employment, but migrants who complete the process will receive an official certification, which they must carry as proof of compliance with the law.
In an effort to facilitate compliance, USCIS launched the G-325R form for the collection of biometric data, as well as an online process to streamline registration.
The agency has also clarified that migrants who have entered the country using the CBP One application will receive notifications informing them of the cancellation of their stay permits, urging them to leave the country "immediately."
This measure has raised concerns among the migrant community amid an escalation in the persecution of undocumented individuals by the new U.S. Administration.
Frequently asked questions about the new mandatory registration for migrants in the U.S.
What does the new mandatory registration for migrants in the U.S. imply?
The new mandatory registration requires that all foreigners present in the United States for more than 30 days register with the federal government. Failure to comply with this requirement is a crime that may result in fines, imprisonment, or both penalties. Furthermore, migrants must provide biometric data such as fingerprints, which is part of a campaign to strengthen immigration control under the Trump administration.
Who needs to register under the new immigration regulations?
All foreigners aged 14 and older who are in the U.S. for more than 30 days without having previously registered must comply with the registration process. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for registering children under 14 years old. This registration is part of Executive Order 14159, which aims to enhance border security.
What consequences do migrants face if they do not register?
Migrants who do not register may face fines, prison sentences, deportation, and a ban on re-entry to the U.S. Failure to provide biometric data may also result in additional criminal penalties, as announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Does the registration provide any immigration status or employment benefits?
The registration does not provide immigration status nor authorize work in the United States. Migrants will receive an official registration certificate, which they must carry as proof of compliance with the law, but it does not grant additional rights or benefits under immigration law.
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