Trump administration set to launch mandatory registration program for illegal aliens

WASHINGTON, DC - The Trump administration’s war on illegal aliens continues with the launch of mandatory online registration of illegal aliens, including their names, fingerprints, and a home address, The New York Post reports.

The program is scheduled to roll out next week. It will require all illegal aliens over the age of 14 to submit fingerprints and home addresses, according to US Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

The Wall Street Journal reported that illegals who fail to register will face fines of up to $5,000 and six months in prison. 

“Aliens in this country illegally face a choice,” read a memo from Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaking of the new policy. “They can return home and follow the legal process to come to the United States, or they can deal with the consequences of continuing to violate our laws.” 

The registration is the latest shoe to drop in President Trump’s promise to stem illegal entry to the United States and enforce federal immigration laws against those already here. 

Currently, those who have entered the US illegally are technically committing a civil offense and not a criminal one but are still able to be detained and deported, The Post said. 

The registry is intended to target illegal aliens who haven’t yet had interactions with government agencies, such as through seeking asylum or being in the country on a work visa, on Homeland Security’s radar. 

According to documents reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, once the registration website is up and running, illegals will have 30 days to submit their personal information there. 

“Once an alien has registered and appeared for fingerprinting (unless waived), DHS will issue evidence of registration, which aliens over the age of 18 must carry and keep in their possession at all times,” a notice on USCIS’ website read Tuesday. 

“It is the legal obligation of all unregistered aliens (or previously registered children who turn 14 years old) in the United States to comply with these requirements,” the notice continues. “Failure to comply will result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution and the payment of fines.” 

The registry is being established pursuant to President Trump's executive order on his first day in office, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” which directed DHS to establish such a registry under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and “ensure that failure to comply is treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.” 

“Most aliens in the United States have already registered, as required by law,” USCIS said. “However, a significant number of aliens present in the United States have had no direct way in which to register and meet their obligation under INA 262.” 

“In order that unregistered aliens may comply with their duty under INA 262, USCIS is establishing a new form and process by which they may register. No alien will have an excuse for failure to comply with this law.: 

USCIS further noted that “registration is not an immigration status, and registration documentation does not establish employment authorization or any other right or benefit under the INA or any other US law.” 

While some on the left are complaining against the registry, there is precedent, The Post noted. 

In 1940, the federal government required all immigrants to register annually to weed out suspected communists. However, the Wall Street Journal reported that the registry proved too costly to maintain and was scrapped by the 1960s. 

In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush created an immigration registry. Tens of thousands of illegals who registered under the Bush-era program were arrested and deported, according to the Journal. 

The Post reached out to DHS for comment, however, they did not immediately respond.