Trump Administration Launches Controversial Immigrant Registry: What You Need to Know About Its Impact on Undocumented Residents

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is setting up a new registry for individuals living in the United States without permission. Immigration officials announced that anyone who does not come forward may face fines or legal action.

All undocumented individuals must register, provide fingerprints, and share their addresses. This requirement applies to everyone aged 14 and older, based on the Immigration and Nationality Act.

This announcement is part of the administration’s efforts to fulfill campaign promises regarding mass deportations and tightening border security against future asylum-seekers.

According to officials, not registering will be considered a crime and could lead to fines or imprisonment. “For decades, this law has been ignored — not anymore,” they stated.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plans to release a registration form and process soon.

During his inauguration, President Donald Trump outlined plans for this registry in his executive orders and emphasized that Homeland Security should make the public aware of the registration requirements.

It’s unclear how many individuals living here without documentation will willingly come forward. However, the administration’s initial focus for deportation will be on those who have committed crimes.

Immigration advocacy groups, like the National Immigration Law Center, recall a similar effort from the Alien Registration Act of 1940. That campaign aimed to identify threats, often targeting those seen as communists.

The Center expressed concern that the new registry might target individuals for deportation. They stated, “Any attempt by the Trump administration to create a registration process for noncitizens would be used to identify and detain people.”