The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to launch a mandatory online registry for illegal immigrants, requiring them to submit personal information or face legal consequences.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the initiative, which will require undocumented individuals, including minors over 14, to register online, provide fingerprints, and report their home addresses.
“For decades, this law has been ignored. Not anymore,” Noem said, referencing the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952, which mandates that non-citizens register with the federal government.
Under the new system, undocumented immigrants will have 30 days to comply once the website becomes operational. Those who fail to register will face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and possible deportation.
DHS officials also stated that individuals over 18 will be required to carry proof of registration at all times, and any change of address must be reported immediately to avoid further legal penalties.
Serious Consequences for Noncompliance
DHS emphasized that noncompliance will come with serious consequences.
“Once an alien has registered and appeared for fingerprinting, unless waived, DHS will issue evidence of registration, which aliens over the age of 18 must carry and keep in their possession at all times,” read a notice on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
The agency also stated that failure to comply “will result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution and the payment of fines.”
Trump’s Message: “Leave Now or Face the Consequences”
The Trump administration is urging undocumented immigrants to either leave voluntarily or comply with the new registration requirements.
Noem delivered a warning on behalf of President Donald Trump to those attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. “If you are considering entering America illegally, don’t even think about it,” she said.
“If you come to our country and break our laws, we will hunt you down. Criminals are not welcome in the United States.”
DHS officials argue that the registry will improve national security, reduce law enforcement burdens, and ensure the government has an accurate record of who is in the country.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin reinforced the administration’s position.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem 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. We will enforce all immigration laws, and no one will be exempt.”
The online registry is part of Trump’s executive order, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which directs DHS to enforce INA Section 262 and treat noncompliance as a criminal offense.
The initiative is expected to target undocumented individuals who have not previously interacted with the immigration system through asylum applications or work permits.
Previous administrations have implemented similar registration programs. In the 1940s, the U.S. government established a registry aimed at tracking suspected communists. After the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush launched a registration system for immigrants from certain countries.
While those efforts were eventually discontinued due to costs and logistical challenges, DHS believes that modern technology will allow for more efficient enforcement and tracking.
Two Choices for Undocumented Immigrants
A DHS memo on the policy stated that undocumented immigrants have two choices. “They can return home and follow the legal process to come to the United States, or they can deal with the consequences of continuing to violate our laws.”
DHS officials clarified that the online registry does not grant immigration status, work authorization, or other legal benefits.
The DHS will provide more details on the registration website and compliance process in the coming weeks. In the meantime, undocumented immigrants are encouraged to visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to prepare for the new requirements.
The administration has made it clear that those who refuse to comply will face steep fines, imprisonment, and potential deportation.
