The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Donald Trump administration has issued a fresh directive requiring all foreign nationals who remain in the United States for over 30 days to register with the federal government. Failure to comply, the department warned, could result in heavy fines, jail time, or permanent bans from legal immigration.
The directive was shared on social media in a strongly worded post titled “Message to Illegal Aliens”, tagging President Trump and DHS Secretary Krisi Noem. It underlines a renewed push to crack down on undocumented immigration and overstays—even hinting at future actions against those on temporary legal status if they fall out of compliance.
“This is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment,” the post said, urging undocumented individuals to “LEAVE NOW and self-deport.”
The directive doesn’t immediately impact those currently on valid visas, like H-1B workers or international students, but it emphasizes the importance of maintaining visa status. Individuals who lose their visa eligibility or overstay their limits may fall under the purview of this enforcement.
FAQ: What you need to know about the DHS order for foreign nationals in the US
Q1. Who is required to register under the new DHS order?
Any foreign national staying in the US for more than 30 days is now required to register with the federal government. This applies regardless of visa type or legal status.
Q2. Will this impact those on H-1B or student visas?
Not immediately. But H-1B holders who lose their jobs and remain in the country beyond their grace period, or students who fall out of status, may be penalized if they do not leave or re-comply in time.
Q3. What happens if someone doesn’t register or self-deport?
DHS has outlined strict consequences:
- $998 per day fine after receiving a final order of removal.
- $1,000 to $5,000 fine for failing to self-deport after agreeing to do so.
- Possible jail time.
- Permanent ban from future legal immigration to the US.
Q4. What is “self-deportation,” and why is DHS promoting it?
According to DHS, “Self-deportation is safe.”
The benefits listed include:
- Choosing your own departure flight.
- Avoiding a criminal record.
- Retaining US-earned income if you’re not facing criminal charges.
- Possibility of a subsidized flight home if unable to afford travel.
- Keeping the door open for future legal immigration.
Q5. What does this say about the Trump administration’s immigration stance?
The message is unambiguous. “@POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW,” DHS wrote.
The directive aligns with a broader effort to tighten immigration controls and enforce existing laws more aggressively, especially as the administration ramps up its 2025 policies.
Q6. Why now? Is this connected to any legal ruling?
Yes. The announcement follows a US district judge’s order allowing the Trump administration to move forward with mandating that all undocumented individuals register with the government and carry identification documentation.
Q7. What should visa holders and international students do?
Ensure your visa status remains valid:
- Don’t overstay your visa duration.
- If you lose your job (for H-1B), act within the grace period.
- Students must remain in full compliance with visa requirements. Any lapse can place you in the category of unlawful presence, triggering penalties.
This directive reflects a clear escalation in enforcement under the Trump administration, with DHS sending a direct, unapologetic message to undocumented immigrants. Whether it leads to mass self-deportations or a new wave of legal challenges remains to be seen.
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