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The development comes after Trump on January 20 signed the executive order ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasion.’

US President Donald Trump (IMAGE: REUTERS)
US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on Friday reminded all foreign nationals present in the country for more than 30 days that the deadline to register under the ‘Alien Registration Act’ is on April 11 (local time).
The law requires all foreign nationals in the United States for over 30 days to register with the federal government. Non-compliance is considered a criminal offence, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both, according to the press release.
“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 your freedom and live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again,” Noem said during a press briefing.
“The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans,” she added.
🚨 BOOM! Karoline Leavitt says ALL foreign nationals in the US longer than 30 days must register with the government, or they may be IMPRISONED and/or deported!“If not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again.”pic.twitter.com/HRbxQuG5Jj
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 11, 2025
US Clarifies Registration Details
The Department of Homeland Security has clarified the registration guidelines:
- Anyone present in the US for 30 days or more as of April 11 without proof of registration must register under the deadline.
- Individuals arriving in the US on or after April 11 must complete their registration within 30 days of entry if they lack proper registration documentation.
- Children who were previously considered registered must re-register upon turning 14, and parents are required to register minors who remain in the US for over 30 days.
The development comes after Trump on January 20 signed the executive order ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasion,’ directing DHS to enforce the ‘long-ignored’ Alien Registration Act.
Later, the registration requirement was introduced by DHS and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as an interim final rule on March 12.
Recently, A US district court judge also approved the Trump administration to implement the controversial new rule mandating millions of immigrants to register with the federal government and carry official documentation.
Set to take effect on Friday, April 11 (local time), the regulation could have far-reaching implications for immigrants throughout the country.