Judge sides with Trump: anyone in US illegally must register with fed government
The Trump administration has scored another victory as a federal judge ruled that all individuals in the U.S. illegally must register with the federal government and carry documentation. This decision by Judge Trevor Neil McFadden, a Trump appointee, upheld the administration’s enforcement of an existing requirement for non-citizens in the country.
The ruling, which will take effect on Friday, comes after a group opposing the requirement was deemed to lack standing to pursue their claims. This means that starting Friday, individuals who have been in the country for 30 days or more must register with the federal government or face serious consequences.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration laws for the safety and security of the nation. She stated, \”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 our freedom and live the American dream.\”
DHS warned illegal immigrants in February to leave the country voluntarily or face criminal penalties for failing to register, provide fingerprints, and notify the government of address changes. Failure to depart the U.S. will result in significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or both.
The registration requirement applies to individuals 14 and older without legal status, including Canadians who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days. This includes \”snowbirds\” who spend winter months in warmer states like Florida. While the registration requirement has been in place for non-citizen residents, enforcement has been sporadic in the past.
One notable instance of enforcement was the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System following the 9/11 attacks, which required non-citizen males 16 and older from predominantly Arab or Muslim countries to register with the government. While the program did not yield terrorism convictions, it led to deportation proceedings for thousands of individuals before being suspended in 2011.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s push for all individuals in the U.S. illegally to register with the federal government is a significant step towards improving national security. The enforcement of existing immigration laws ensures that the country knows who is within its borders, promoting safety and accountability for all Americans.
