DHS will require migrants without legal status to register with U.S. government

by Ariana Figueroa, Daily Montanan

February 25, 2025

WASHINGTON — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem late Tuesday announced a campaign to compel people in the United States without legal authority to register with the U.S. government and then self-deport.

In doing so, Trump administration officials could carry out their plans for mass deportations without using agency resources for physical removals.

Noem said in a press release that if a person without legal status fails to register online, that person will be subject to a fine, imprisonment or both.

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It’s unclear how much the fine is, or what charges would be levied that would result in imprisonment. In response to State Newsroom’s request for comment, DHS said it was looking into those details.

“If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement.

In order to return to the U.S. after a voluntary departure, an approved visa petition is needed, like a work visa, as well as a waiver of inadmissibility from a U.S. embassy or consulate.

The registry is not up and running, but a form and process will be made available in the coming days, according to the DHS website.

Registering would require submitting fingerprint information and other personal information. Adults and children 14 and older would be required to register.

“Compelling mass self-deportation is a safer path for aliens and law enforcement, and saves U.S. taxpayer dollars, in addition to conserving valuable Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources needed to keep Americans safe,” according to the DHS press release.

Tuesday’s late announcement comes as Noem has appeared in commercials where she has warned immigrants without legal authorization “will be hunted down and deported.”

Those who are required to register include immigrants in the U.S. without legal authorization, “Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration” and those enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, or those with Temporary Protected Status, according to the DHS website.

Last updated 5:07 p.m., Feb. 25, 2025

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