New US immigration rule requires all foreign nationals to register or face deportation, fines

In a major shift in US immigration policy, the White House has announced a sweeping new rule requiring all foreign nationals residing in the United States for more than 30 days to register with the federal government—or face severe penalties. This includes undocumented immigrants, visa holders (such as H-1B and F-1), legal permanent residents, and even recent arrivals without valid documentation.Who’s impacted from the new rules?

Effective April 11, 2025, the regulation mandates that all non-citizens aged 18 and older must carry proof of registration at all times. Those entering the US after this date must register within 30 days of arrival. Children turning 14 must also re-register and submit fingerprints, regardless of any prior status.
The new rule is based on the long-dormant Alien Registration Act, originally enacted during World War II. It has been revived under an interim final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), following President Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.”White House reaction

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “All foreign nationals staying in the United States for more than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines, imprisonment or both.”

DHS clarified that even legally residing individuals are affected and must comply with the documentation requirement. Address changes must also be reported within 10 days to avoid penalties.

Immigrant rights groups have challenged the rule in court, but a federal judge allowed it to proceed.