The United States, under President Donald Trump, is becoming more and more hostile toward migrants. In its latest crackdown, the US Department of Homeland Security has asked foreign nationals living in the country longer than 30 days to register with the government. Failure to do so could lead to arrest.
The tightened rules were effective on April 11, after a federal judge dismissed a legal challenge against them.
Those with
Green Cards and valid work visas are also advised to carry their documents at all times.
We take a look at the rules for mandatory registration and how it will impact Indians.
What is the 30-day rule about mandatory registration?
Under the Aliens Registration Act, all foreign nationals present in the US for longer than 30 days were required to register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime, which is punishable by fines, imprisonment or both.
In a statement on April 11,
Kristi Noem, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, said, “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.”
In a message posted on X, DHS warned “illegal aliens” to
self-deport using the
CBP Home app. If they do so, these immigrants can keep the money they have earned in the US and are eligible for subsidised flights.
Foreign nationals present in the U.S. longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to Illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW and self-deport. pic.twitter.com/FrsAQtUA7H
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 12, 2025
Those staying in the US illegally for over 30 days will be apprehended by the DHS. If they stay despite a final order of removal, they have to pay a fine of $998 (Rs 85,924) per day. Those who have claimed to self-deport but didn’t will be fined anywhere between $1000 (Rs 86,000) to $5000 (Rs 4.30 lakh).
Illegal migrants who have failed to self-deport face imprisonment and will be prohibited from reentering the US through the legal immigration system, the DHS warned.
Parents and legal guardians of aliens below the age of 14 must ensure that they are registered. Within 30 days of reaching his or her 14th birthday, all previously registered aliens must apply for re-registration and be fingerprinted.
The US administration is demanding compliance with a rule that has been rarely enforced since World War II. It is part of the executive order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion”, which Trump issued on January 20, soon after taking the oath as US president.
How many people will be affected by the rule?
According to the US administration, 2.2 to 3.2 million people could be affected. Even Canadians who overstay the 30-day limit, including seasonal visitors who spend winters in states like Florida, are required to register.
What does this rule mean for Indian migrants?
The website of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lists categories of people already registered. This includes lawful permanent residents; aliens paroled into the country under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), even if parole has expired; aliens admitted to the US as non-immigrants, Form I-94, which is the arrival-departure record card, or Form I-94w, even if the period of admission has expired.
Aliens present in the country who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last day of arrival; aliens placed into removal proceedings by DHS; those issued an employment authorisation and those who have applied for lawful permanent residence and provided fingerprints, even if applications were denied, and those issued border crossing cards are exempted.
Indian immigrants who have entered the country legally will be covered in one of these categories.
However, those not registered included aliens who have
crossed the border illegally.
In 2024, US authorities detected 90,415 Indian citizens trying to illegally enter the country, which was slightly lower than the 96,917 in 2023. Of the 90,415 that the US authorities detained, 78,312 were “single adults”, 11,531 were “individuals in a family unit”, 517 were “single minors”, and 55 were “accompanied minors”.
What do the new rules say about H-1B visa and Green Card holders?
Under the new rule, visa holders (work or study), Green Card recipients, and work permit holders must carry documentation providing their legal status at all times. However, they do not have to register again.
“All non-citizens 18 and older must carry documentation (registration proof) at all times. The administration has directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritise enforcement. There will be no sanctuary for noncompliance,” Noem said in a statement.
There are around 5.4 million Indians in the US, of which 220,000 are illegal immigrants.
Indian techies working in the US mostly have
H1-B visas. Indian-origin tech companies make up a fifth of all H-1B visas issued in the US with Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) leading the pack, according to data from the US immigration department.
Indians were the second-largest group in the US to obtain a Green Card in 2024. The data from USCIS revealed that 49,700 Indians were naturalised, making up 6.1 per cent of all new citizens. This is second to Mexicans, who accounted for 13.1 per cent of new citizens.
However, with the constant crackdown and the mistaken deportations, migrants have reasons to remain anxious.
With inputs from agencies