Aaj Ki Janta

Washington D.C. – April 13, 2025: In a controversial and sweeping move, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Donald Trump’s administration has issued a strict directive requiring all foreign nationals staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with the federal government. Failure to comply, according to the DHS, could result in heavy fines, imprisonment, and a permanent ban on future entry into the United States.

In a post titled “Message to Illegal Aliens” shared on the official DHS account on social platform X, the agency emphasized:

“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.”

The policy, while not directly impacting individuals on valid visas such as H-1B or student permits, raises the stakes for those who fall out of status—like visa holders who overstay or lose job sponsorship. They could now face enhanced scrutiny and legal action if they fail to leave within the grace period.

Push for ‘Self-Deportation’

The DHS post aggressively promotes “self-deportation” as a viable alternative for undocumented individuals, encouraging them to leave the country voluntarily:

“Self-deportation is safe. Leave on your own terms by picking your departure flight. Keep money earned in the U.S. if you self-deport as a non-criminal illegal alien.”

The agency also states that self-deporting individuals could maintain eligibility for future legal immigration and may qualify for subsidized airfare if unable to afford travel.

Heavy Penalties for Non-Compliance

The consequences of not registering or self-deporting are severe. According to the statement:

• A fine of $998 per day applies after receiving a final order of removal and failing to leave.
• A penalty of $1,000 to $5,000 may be imposed if a person claims they will self-deport but fails to do so.
• Imprisonment is a possibility for continued violations.
• Offenders will be barred from future legal immigration pathways.

The announcement has drawn swift reactions from immigration advocates, legal experts, and human rights organizations who argue the new directive could lead to profiling, confusion among visa holders, and fear among immigrant communities. Meanwhile, administration officials insist the move is part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration and visa overstays.

As of now, it remains to be seen how this policy will be implemented on the ground and how it will impact those navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.