DHS launches tool to help unlawful migrants comply with Trump biometrics order
In a groundbreaking move, the Trump administration has launched a new online government tool aimed at helping millions of unlawful migrants living in the U.S. comply with a Trump order to register their biometric data with the government and carry documentation at all times. The tool, developed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is designed to guide users through the requirement with a series of questions to determine whether they still need to register under the renewed enforcement of the Alien Registration Act.
The registration process is mandatory for all individuals over the age of 14 who do not have legal status in the U.S. It requires providing a fingerprint and a home address, as per an executive order from President Donald Trump. Additionally, some immigrants who are in the country legally but did not undergo biometric vetting upon arrival may also need to check their registration status.
The primary goal of this new tool is to encourage unlawful immigrants who have not previously interacted with the government, such as by applying for asylum or a work permit, to come forward and register. According to USCIS, tens of thousands of immigrants have already taken steps to comply with the registration requirement, signaling a significant shift in enforcement.
Failure to register could result in serious consequences, including fines, jail time, deportation, and potentially being barred from reentering the U.S. Those who do not carry proof of registration at all times may also face legal repercussions. The Alien Registration Act of 1940 mandates that all individuals living in the U.S. who are not citizens, regardless of their legal status, must register with the government.
Immigrant advocates have raised concerns about the new requirement, arguing that it puts those living in the country illegally in a difficult position. They must choose between registering and potentially making themselves easier targets for deportation or risking criminal charges for failing to register.
HHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of enforcing all immigration laws to ensure the safety and security of the homeland and all Americans. Despite legal challenges from advocates, a federal judge recently ruled in favor of allowing the Trump administration to move forward with the registration requirement.
This initiative is reminiscent of a similar immigration registry implemented by President George W. Bush after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which targeted men and boys from predominantly Muslim countries. The registry led to the deportation of tens of thousands of individuals.
Overall, the new online government tool represents a significant step towards enforcing immigration laws and ensuring compliance from all individuals residing in the U.S., regardless of their legal status. By streamlining the registration process and providing clear guidance, the administration aims to create a more secure and orderly immigration system for the benefit of all Americans.
