The Trump administration has announced a new policy requiring undocumented immigrants to register their personal information in a federal database. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that individuals aged 14 and older must provide fingerprints and home addresses. Failure to comply could result in fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
This initiative aims to identify undocumented individuals who have not previously interacted with federal authorities. Historically, similar registries were implemented during World War II and the post-9/11 era.
Legal experts express concerns that enforcing this policy could strain prosecutorial resources and increase the incarcerated population, as many immigrants may lack the means to pay the fines.
In response to the federal mandate, local governments are determining their level of cooperation. For instance, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has indicated partial compliance with the registry, requiring undocumented migrants to provide personal information or face penalties.
This policy aligns with President Trump’s broader efforts to strengthen immigration laws and enhance national security. The DHS has yet to provide detailed guidelines on the registration process.
