President Donald Trump has reinstated the Alien Registration Act through Executive Order 14159, signed in January 2025. Consequently, all foreign nationals in the U.S. for over 30 days must register with federal authorities by April 11.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized compliance. “We will enforce all immigration laws,” she said.
The Alien Registration Act, first passed in 1940, requires noncitizens to register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For instance, those present as of April 11 must act immediately. New arrivals have 30 days to comply. Additionally, children turning 14 must re-register with fingerprints. Parents must also register minors staying over 30 days.
The deadline for registration under the Alien Registration Act is today. Failure to register is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.
We will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland. pic.twitter.com/5TVPHo3fJy
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 11, 2025Key Compliance Rules of Trump’s Alien Registration Act
After registering, DHS issues proof of compliance. Noncitizens 18 and older must carry this at all times. Furthermore, law enforcement, including traffic police, can now request it. Canadians without an I-94 admission record must register, too. A $6 I-94 fee applies at land borders, or travellers can use the CBP One app.
Failure to comply can result in fines, jail time, or deportation. “There’s no sanctuary for noncompliance,” DHS warned. Meanwhile, immigration attorneys note that visa holders, green card holders, and others with valid documents are already registered. However, they must report address changes within 10 days or face up to $5,000 in fines.
Today is the deadline for foreign nationals present in the U.S. longer than 30 days to register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Illegal aliens should LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app. @TriciaOhio pic.twitter.com/W6GG5IiKFp
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 11, 2025The order, part of Trump’s “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” agenda, aims to strengthen border security. Originally enacted during World War II, the Alien Registration Act targets visa overstayers, asylum seekers, and undocumented residents. Although officials haven’t shared exact numbers, the rule applies broadly.
Read: US Supreme Court Orders Return of Wrongfully Deported Salvadoran Man
Critics, like the American Immigration Council, argue it skips public input and risks confusion. They sued to block it, but Judge Trevor N. McFadden upheld the order. Conversely, Noem urged noncompliant individuals to leave voluntarily for future re-entry chances.
