Trump's immigration crackdown: Fines, jail for migrants who don't register
What's the story
The Donald Trump administration has unveiled a new policy targeting undocumented immigrants who fail to register with the federal government.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these people could be slapped with hefty fines, imprisoned, or both.
A DHS spokesperson emphasized the need to enforce all immigration laws without exception for national safety and security reasons.
"The Trump administration will enforce all...immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce," a department spokeswoman stated.
Registration requirement
New policy targets unregistered immigrants
The new policy requires all immigrants aged 14 and older who were not fingerprinted or registered during their US visa application process and have remained in the country for over 30 days to register and be fingerprinted.
Once registered and fingerprinted, immigrants aged 18 or older must carry proof of registration at all times, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website said.
Exception
Online form to register soon
The Trump administration also stated that those who have not registered will be given a chance to join the registry using an online form that has yet to be released.
The new regulation, however, does not apply to legal permanent residents, immigrants who were welcomed under the parole program, or those who were granted visas even if they overstayed them.
It also does not apply to immigrants with government work permits or those in immigration court processes.
Border crisis
Trump declares illegal immigration a national emergency
President Trump, who returned to office last month, has declared illegal immigration at the Mexican border a national emergency.
He directed the DHS to ensure compliance with federal registration requirements.
The administration is also looking to end the CBP One entry program, which was started by the previous Biden administration and allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to enter the US legally by scheduling appointments through an app.