U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Trump administration will reinstate a provision of U.S. immigration law that has been largely inactive for decades. This provision requires all immigrants who did not enter the U.S. with a visa to register with the federal government after their arrival and carry proof of their registration at all times.
The administration is working to clarify which immigrants are already considered registered. A new registration form will be issued for immigrants who have not yet registered. This new process will also tie into federal criminal law, making it a crime for immigrants to fail to register or to carry proof of registration.
By enforcing this rule, the Trump administration is adding a new tool to its immigration strategy: the threat of criminal prosecution.
For many immigrants in the U.S., particularly those who entered without inspection and have not interacted with federal authorities, this will present a tough decision. They will have to choose between two risky options. Even immigrants who are already considered registered, including many undocumented individuals and those with legal status, could face prosecution if they fail to carry their registration documents at all times.
Read more: