The Trump administration announced on Tuesday its plan to implement a registry requiring all
all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not fingerprinted or registered 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. Similarly, parents and guardians must ensure that their children below the age of 14 are registered. Within 30 days of reaching his or her 14th birthday, the previously registered alien child must apply for re-registration and to be fingerprinted. Those who fail to comply could face fines or misdemeanor prosecution.
The new initiative, which has already drawn backlash from immigrant rights groups, is part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration enforcement and accelerate deportations. The program primarily targets individuals who have not previously encountered immigration officials, signaling a further tightening of policies under the administration.
While specific details on the registration process remain unclear, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has advised all undocumented individuals to prepare by creating an account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Critics argue that such a registry could lead to increased fear among immigrant communities and potential misuse of personal data.
Immigrant advocacy organizations have vowed to challenge the policy, calling it a step toward mass surveillance and criminalization of undocumented individuals. Legal experts also warn of possible constitutional concerns and civil rights violations.
The announcement is the latest in a series of aggressive immigration measures introduced by the Trump administration, reinforcing its hardline stance as the nation approaches the next election cycle.
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