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The development comes after Trump on January 20 signed the executive order ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasion,’ directing DHS to enforce the ‘long-ignored’ Alien Registration Act.
he new US immigration rule came into effect from April 11 (File image)
US immigration new rules: In a major policy shift, the Donald Trump administration has announced that all immigrants in the United States—including legal residents, workers, and students—are now required to carry their identification documents all the time.
The decision, announced by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) followed a recent court ruling allowing a Trump-era immigrant registration rule— requiring illegal immigrants in the US to register with the government— to proceed.
“All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times. This administration has directed DHS to prioritise enforcement, there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance,” the DHS said in a statement released on Friday. The rule came into effect on April 11.
The development comes after Trump on January 20 signed the executive order ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasion,’ directing DHS to enforce the ‘long-ignored’ Alien Registration Act.
What Are The New Rules?
As per the media reports, the new rules majorly impacts illegal or undocumented immigrants. It requires all non-citizens above 14 years of age who remain in the US for 30 days or more to mandatorily register with the government by filling “Form G-325R”. Children of immigrants must also re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of turning 14.
Additionally, those arriving the country on or after April 11, are also required to register within 30 days of arrival. Those changing their address will also have to report within 10 days, failing which they can be fined as high as $5,000.
What Are The Rules For H1-B Visa, Green Card Holders?
Meanwhile, individuals who have entered the US on a valid visa (study, work, travel), holding a green card, employment documentation border crossing card or an I-94 admission record, won’t be affected as they are considered to have already registered.
Indian nationals with a valid visa or Green Card won’t have to register. However, they would have carry their IDs all the time and would have to furnish it when asked by authorities.
There are around 5.4 million Indians in the US. While DHS data estimates 2.20 lakh Indians were residing illegally in the US as of 2022, the Pew Research Center puts the figure at seven lakh, and the Migration Policy Institute estimates it at 3.75 lakh, Times of India reported.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
