White House orders new registration for undocumented immigrants

Key Takeaways

• Mandatory online registration starts April 11, 2025, for undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. over 30 days.
• Failure to register may result in fines, prosecution, detention, or deportation, affecting up to 3.2 million individuals.
• Registered adults over 18 must carry proof; parents must register undocumented children under 14.

In January 2025, the White House announced a major new policy that changes how undocumented immigrants must interact with the United States 🇺🇸 government. Beginning April 11, 2025, nearly all people living in the country without legal permission, who have avoided previous contact with immigration authorities, must register with the federal government. This requirement is based on an executive order signed by President Trump and will be enforced by the Department of Homeland Security.

This article explains what the new rule means for undocumented immigrants, why the White House is making this change, and what the Department of Homeland Security expects from everyone involved. It also looks at how the new registration process will work and what might happen next for those affected.

What Is the New Registration Requirement?

The Trump administration’s new rule is simple in wording but serious in action. All undocumented immigrants who are 14 years or older and have been present in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 30 days without legal status will be required to register with the federal government. Parents or guardians must also register children who are younger than 14 but are in the country without legal status.

The registration must be done online. People will need to use a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) account to send in their details. As part of the registration, each person must complete a form called G-325R. This form asks for basic information such as name, date of birth, address, and how the person came to be in the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security also requires most people to submit fingerprints unless this requirement is waived for some reason. Once registered, anyone over 18 must carry proof that they have registered at all times. This rule will affect between 2.2 million and 3.2 million undocumented immigrants, according to official estimates.

Why Is the White House Requiring This?

The White House has explained that the main goal of the new rule is to ensure that all immigrants living in the country without permission are known to the government. Officials say this will help improve security by making it harder for people to live in the country without being identified.

According to statements from the White House and Department of Homeland Security, this rule is meant to:
– Help federal agencies know exactly how many undocumented immigrants are present
– Force those who do not have legal status to consider leaving the country on their own
– Enforce old registration laws that were rarely applied in the past

The administration has promised to take civil and criminal action against those who do not follow the new rule. They say this is in line with other policies meant to limit sanctuary cities and local governments that do not work closely with federal immigration agencies.

How Does Registration Work?

For those required to register, the steps are clear:
1. Create a USCIS online account: This is where individuals will fill out Form G-325R. The official USCIS website (see here for more) offers direct access to relevant information and forms.
2. Enter personal information: The form asks for names, past addresses, country of origin, and how the person arrived in the United States 🇺🇸.
3. Submit fingerprints: Most people will need to have their fingerprints taken, unless the Department of Homeland Security decides to make an exception.
4. Register children: Parents or guardians of children under 14 must complete the process for them.
5. Carry proof: After registration, anyone over 18 must keep proof with them at all times.

The process must be completed soon after someone arrives in the country illegally, but the rule mainly targets people who have been here over 30 days without any legal permission.

Penalties for Not Registering

One of the strongest parts of this new rule is the penalties for those who do not register. If an undocumented immigrant does not register as required by the Department of Homeland Security, they may face serious problems. These include:
– Civil fines (monetary penalties set by the government)
– Prosecution for a misdemeanor crime
– Jail time or other criminal penalties
– Detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deportation

The Department of Homeland Security has said it will work with other federal agencies to find and punish those who avoid registration. There is also a warning that the government will pressure people who do not register to leave the country on their own rather than face official action.

Who Is Affected?

The announcement from the White House is clear in its scope. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million undocumented immigrants could be required to register. These are people who have not been picked up before by immigration authorities and have not given their personal details.

Children under age 14 will also be included if they are living in the United States 🇺🇸 without permission, though parents or guardians must handle the process for them.

This is a huge change from previous years, when only a small number of undocumented immigrants had to provide their information to the government. According to reports like those found on VisaVerge.com, such a sweeping registration move has not been used in recent history.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The timing is clear:
– January 20, 2025: President Trump signs the executive order targeting undocumented immigrants for federal registration.
– February 25, 2025: The Department of Homeland Security officially announces the start of the registration mandate.
– April 11, 2025: After a court challenge fails, registration is set to begin. From this point, the Department of Homeland Security can enforce the rule by bringing charges or starting removal proceedings against those who fail to register.

Government Messaging

The White House and the Department of Homeland Security are not quietly announcing these changes. Instead, they have started a public campaign to get the word out to undocumented immigrants. Television, radio, and web ads warn that people are required to register or face possible punishment.

Officials say that the registration information will be used as part of an effort to convince undocumented immigrants to leave on their own, sometimes called self-deportation. The idea is that, by forcing people to give their personal details under threat of penalty, some will decide it is safer to leave rather than risk criminal charges, detention, or deportation.

The White House has stated the registration data may be reviewed when taking action against sanctuary cities or local governments that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Reactions From Affected Communities

Not everyone is happy with the new rule. Advocacy groups question whether forcing people to register will increase fear in immigrant communities. They warn that some may go further underground or avoid services like schooling and healthcare out of fear of being reported or detained.

Some cities and states say they may resist the new rules, a move that could bring them into conflict with federal agencies. The threat of losing federal funding is present if local governments refuse to help, but the White House says these rules must be enforced to follow national law.

Immigrant rights groups, legal aid organizations, and some religious groups have urged people to learn about their rights before making decisions on whether to register. Many call for clarity on what happens to individuals who come forward and share their personal details with the Department of Homeland Security.

Wider Impact Across the United States 🇺🇸

This new rule changes the relationship between undocumented immigrants and the federal government in several ways:
– For the first time, millions must come forward on their own to be counted, creating a detailed database of people present without permission
– It may lead to an increase in detentions and deportations, as the Department of Homeland Security has prioritized those who fail to register
– There is a risk that people may stop sending their children to school, refuse vaccines, or avoid medical treatment if they worry information will be shared with immigration agents

This policy also affects communities, schools, businesses, and public programs that serve immigrant families, who may see fewer people asking for help or participating in local events.

The Role of Key Agencies

Under this rule, the Department of Homeland Security plays the main role. It is responsible for making sure the registration process is safe, fair, and effective. This includes verifying information, deciding if fingerprints must be collected, and taking action against those who do not follow the rules.

The agency works with other parts of government as well, including border and customs officials. The White House has emphasized that strict cooperation is expected from all federal partners, and that enforcement must be a top priority moving forward.

The Next Steps for Individuals

Undocumented immigrants now face some tough choices. Those affected must decide whether to register with the Department of Homeland Security and meet all the new requirements, or risk facing fines, charges, or being removed from the country.

Advocacy groups urge everyone to get reliable, official information before making decisions. People can visit whitehouse.gov or the US government’s main immigration website to read the rules directly and find out what is required. Registration can be done online, and instructions are available in several languages.

Comparisons to Past Policies

The United States 🇺🇸 has asked some noncitizens to register in the past, but enforcement was often limited, and most people were not required to give fingerprints or carry proof at all times. This new rule covers a much wider range of people, and no one can ignore it without facing possible action.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that no law since the 1980s has required this many undocumented immigrants to officially report themselves to the federal government all at once. The current approach is seen by many as a way to use registration to enforce other parts of President Trump’s immigration plan, such as increased deportations and stricter penalties for those who ignore the rules.

Challenges to the Rule

While the White House has won the first legal battle over its registration mandate, court challenges and lawsuits are likely to continue. Some groups argue the rule creates a climate of fear, while others say the federal government is within its rights to ask who is in the country.

For now, though, the Department of Homeland Security has made clear that it will require full compliance from everyone covered by the rule and will punish those who do not follow the law.

Practical Summary Table

What Should Readers Do Next?

If you or someone you know is worried about the new rule, it is wise to seek trustworthy information from official government sources, such as the Department of Homeland Security’s official announcements, or community legal assistance. It is also important to remember that rumors and misinformation can spread quickly, so always check facts before acting.

Keep an eye on the news and on the official websites for updates as the rule is implemented and any new court decisions are made.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s federal registration order, announced by the White House and enforced by the Department of Homeland Security, marks a turning point in how the United States 🇺🇸 handles undocumented immigrants. With up to 3.2 million people affected, the policy requires prompt action and careful decision-making by those at risk—not only to meet federal demands but to protect their families and future.

As this new rule rolls out, people across the country are watching to see how it changes life for immigrants, communities, and society as a whole. For the latest updates and helpful resources on this and other immigration matters, VisaVerge.com remains a key resource for those seeking simple, fact-based answers.

Learn Today

Department of Homeland Security → A U.S. federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and managing national security, including border and registration policies.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services processes immigration forms and registrations, including the new requirement for undocumented immigrants’ registration.
Executive Order → A directive issued by the U.S. President with the force of law, used here to mandate immigrant registration.
Form G-325R → The biographic information form required for undocumented immigrants’ registration, requesting personal details and other identifiers.
Sanctuary Cities → Cities or jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, often at odds with new federal rules.

This Article in a Nutshell

Beginning April 11, 2025, undocumented immigrants in the U.S. must register online with the federal government. This policy, enforced by the Department of Homeland Security, carries fines or prosecution for noncompliance and impacts 2.2 to 3.2 million people. Prompt action and reliable information are critical for those affected nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com

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