D.C. Circuit Rejects Emergency Bid to Halt National Immigrant Registry

(D.C.) The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on August 12, 2025, denied an emergency request to halt the new national registry for immigrants, allowing the Alien Registration Requirement to take effect nationwide. The rule immediately applies to nearly all non-citizens in the United States and requires those age 14 and older to register their fingerprints and carry a new federal ID card at all times. Willful violations are federal crimes.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the regulation in July 2025 under President Trump and made it effective 30 days later by labeling it a “procedural rule,” thereby avoiding the standard public comment process.

Immigrant advocacy groups — including the American Immigration Council, the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project, and the National Immigration Law Center — have sued, arguing the rule is unlawfully broad, confusing, and was rushed through without public input. While litigation continues, the appeals court’s decision means the requirements are enforceable now. Plaintiffs are expected to pursue further appeals, possibly to the Supreme Court, but no stay is in place.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the denial marks a major shift in U.S. immigration practice, reviving and expanding a World War II–era statute to reach almost every non-citizen, regardless of legal status. In contrast to past policy—where registration duties were tied to specific benefits or categories—the new regime is universal in scope and backed by criminal penalties.

What the rule requires now

Under the Alien Registration Requirement, DHS says non-citizens aged 14 and older must complete the following:

• Register their fingerprints and biographical data at designated DHS locations or through approved online systems.
• Carry a government-issued federal registration ID card at all times as proof of compliance.
• Meet strict deadlines:
  • Existing non-citizens have 60 days from the effective date to register.
  • New arrivals must register within 30 days of entry.
• Face penalties for willful noncompliance: a federal misdemeanor punishable by fines and up to six months in jail, with repeat offenses potentially charged as felonies.

DHS has stated that law enforcement officers may demand proof of registration from anyone they suspect is a non-citizen. People who cannot show the federal ID card may face arrest, prosecution, and—depending on their status—possible removal proceedings. The department says it will prioritize “willful” violations for prosecution, signaling a focus on those who intentionally refuse to comply.

The rule affects a wide range of people: lawful permanent residents, temporary visa holders, DACA recipients, TPS holders, and undocumented immigrants. Legal experts warn that the rule does not clearly explain who counts as “registered” for those with complicated or temporary protections, creating uncertainty for families, students, and workers who have followed prior rules.

Government stance and civil rights concerns

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says the registry is aimed at national security and better enforcement, and has also said the policy is meant to “incentivize people to self-deport.” The department argues the ID system will streamline identity checks and improve tracking of non-citizens across agencies. Supporters say a universal registry brings clarity and consistency to a patchwork of identification practices.

Opponents counter that the rule invites racial profiling and harassment, turning daily life for immigrants into a “show me your papers” reality. Civil rights organizations warn officers may stop people based on language, skin color, or accent, increasing risks for U.S. citizens in mixed-status families. Attorneys also point to vague terms—such as how DHS defines who is “registered”—and unclear guidance for DACA and TPS recipients, predicting uneven enforcement and further litigation.

The legal community expects continued court battles over:

• The rule’s scope
• The lack of public comment
• Possible conflicts with constitutional protections

But the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals’ refusal to pause the rule means community impacts will be felt now, before judges issue final decisions on the merits.

“The rule is in effect now, and deadlines are running,” — a key takeaway for affected communities and service providers.

Real-world implications

• An F-1 student who misplaces the new ID during finals week could be stopped and arrested if unable to present proof on demand.
• A TPS holder juggling multiple jobs and childcare may face long appointment backlogs to complete fingerprinting in time.
• Families, students, and workers with temporary protections may face uncertainty about whether they are considered “registered.”

Immigration lawyers say these are the kinds of real-life stress points that will test the system in the weeks ahead.

Compliance steps and what comes next

DHS has directed non-citizens to register at designated offices and online portals, after which a federal registration ID card will be issued. The department is expected to release guidance and FAQs to clarify who must register, acceptable documents, and how deadlines apply across categories. One official resource is the DHS homepage, which will host updates and links to agency notices: https://www.dhs.gov

Key details as the rule rolls out:

• Who must act now: All non-citizens age 14 and over who were in the country on the effective date should register within the 60-day window. Those entering after the effective date must register within 30 days of entry.
• What to expect at registration: Biographical intake and a fingerprint capture, followed by issuance of the federal ID card. DHS notices will specify locations and any online steps.
• Penalties and enforcement: DHS says prosecutions will focus on “willful” failures. However, confusion about deadlines or proof could still lead to arrests, making proactive compliance essential.
• Questions and assistance: DHS’s National Customer Service Center: 1-800-375-5283. Advocacy groups (American Immigration Council, ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project, NILC, and CASA) are organizing legal support.

For employers, schools, and service providers, the rule may create ripple effects:

• Workers could face more identity checks at job sites.
• Students may be asked by campus security to present the federal card.
• Visitors to courthouses, shelters, or hospitals might be asked for the card.

Attorneys recommend preparing internal policies that both respect civil rights and respond appropriately to lawful requests from authorities.

Local police departments and sheriffs will have new discretion, raising concerns about uneven enforcement across jurisdictions. Advocates worry some officers will demand papers more often than others. City leaders and police chiefs are likely to be under pressure to publish clear guidance to reduce bias and avoid wrongful stops.

Congress could weigh in; some lawmakers have called for repeal or oversight hearings, but no bills have advanced. Meanwhile, the lawsuits continue. Courts will likely consider whether DHS properly skipped public comment, whether the rule is too vague, and how it interacts with constitutional protections. Until a court blocks it, the registry stands.

Practical advice for affected individuals

• Keep copies of status documents (DACA, TPS, pending applications) and any DHS notices.
• Seek legal advice before travel or major life changes.
• If you cannot get a prompt registration appointment, keep proof you tried (confirmation emails, screenshots, call logs) to demonstrate good-faith efforts if asked.
• Prepare to carry the new federal card with essentials such as keys, phone, and wallet if and when you receive it.

The policy will reshape daily routines for millions. Some families will add the new card to their list of items they never leave home without. Others will weigh the risk of additional police contact. DHS says the system will improve security and consistency; advocates say it will sow fear. For now, the rule is in effect, and deadlines are running.