Introduction
A major shift in U.S. immigration policy is underway. Following an Executive Order, the Trump administration is implementing a highly controversial plan requiring all non-immigrants over the age of 14 (except permanent residents and those in the U.S. on visas and individuals already fingerprinted and registered pursuant to 8 C.F.R. 264.1(b) to register with the government and submit fingerprints. Parents of children under 14 must also register. Failure to comply is a criminal offense, dramatically increasing the risk of deportation and criminalization for millions of immigrants. Registered immigrants are thereafter required to carry proof of registration.
This policy, originally introduced in the 1940s during wartime under the Alien Registration Act, is being revived as a tool to pressure undocumented immigrants into self-deportation. By making noncompliance a crime, the administration aims to create a legal mechanism for broad-scale enforcement. Immigrants must now navigate an even more treacherous legal landscape, and the need for experienced immigration attorneys has never been greater.
At Oltarsh & Associates, we specialize in defending immigrants against unjust policies, guiding individuals through legal pathways, and ensuring they remain protected under the law. This article breaks down the key elements of the new policy, its potential impact, and what you can do to safeguard your future.
What Is Trump’s New Immigration Registry Policy?
The policy mandates that all non-immigrants over the age of 14 (except green card holders and visa holders and others who have already registered, such as non-immigrants seeking a US visa) must register with the U.S. government and provide fingerprints. The law also requires registration by parents of immigrant children under 14, and those children, upon turning 14, must register within 1 month. The government will then maintain a database of immigrant biometrics, which can be used for tracking and enforcement purposes. The Executive Order also states that upon registration, the immigrant will obtain evidence of the registration which must be carried at all times. The law may later be used as a tool to deny foreign nationals permanent residence for failure to register.
- Who Must Register?
- All undocumented immigrants over 14
- Parents of undocumented immigrants under 14
- Temporary visa holders whose visas have expired
- Any other non-immigrants in the U.S. without current legal status
- Who Is Exempt?
- Green card holders (lawful permanent residents)
- Individuals currently in the U.S. on a valid visa who have already been registered
- U.S. citizens
- What Happens if You Don’t Register?
- Criminal charges: Noncompliance would be a federal crime, meaning that undocumented immigrants who fail to register could face criminal prosecution as well as civil monetary penalties.
- Increased deportation risk: Once classified as criminals, individuals could be placed in removal or face expedited removal, making it even harder to fight deportation.
- Self-deportation pressure: The ultimate goal of this policy is to make life so difficult that many undocumented individuals choose to leave voluntarily, fearing arrest and prosecution.
The Historical Context: The Alien Registration Act of 1940
Trump’s immigration registry policy is not new—it dates back to the Alien Registration Act of 1940, passed during World War II. Initially designed as a wartime measure to track foreign nationals, it required non-citizens to register with the government, provide fingerprints, and carry identification at all times.
For decades, this law was rarely enforced, and many of its provisions became obsolete. However, the Trump administration is reviving it as a tool for mass enforcement, bringing back an archaic system to target immigrants today. It upends strong constitutional protections against requirements to carry paperwork.
The historical precedent shows that laws like this were used for racial and political profiling, disproportionately impacting immigrants from targeted countries. By enforcing it now, the administration is setting the stage for sweeping deportation operations.
Why This Policy Is Dangerous for Immigrants
- Mass Criminalization
- This policy turns undocumented status into a criminal offense rather than just a civil immigration issue. This shift could lead to mass arrests and deportations at an unprecedented scale.
- Data Collection for Future Enforcement
- Once immigrants provide their fingerprints and personal data, it becomes permanently stored in government systems. Even if the law changes later, that information can still be used against them.
- Aimed at Forcing Self-Deportation
- This is not just an enforcement tool; it is a psychological tactic designed to make immigrants believe they have no options left, pushing them to leave voluntarily.
- Precedent for Future Expansion
- If implemented, this could set a precedent for even stricter policies in the future, including registration and tracking requirements for other groups.
What You Should Do Now
Given the serious legal and personal risks posed by Trump’s Immigration Registry, immigrants need to act proactively to protect themselves. Here are some immediate steps you should take:
1. Know Your Rights
- You are not required to answer questions from immigration officers without a lawyer present.
- If ICE comes to your home, you do not have to open the door unless they have a signed warrant from a judge.
- You have the right to remain silent—anything you say can be used against you in court.
2. Consult an Immigration Attorney Immediately
- If you are unsure about your status or whether you need to register, contact an experienced immigration attorney before taking any action.
- At Oltarsh & Associates, we provide confidential consultations to assess your case and develop a legal strategy tailored to your situation.
3. Explore Legal Pathways to Residency
- You may have options for adjusting your status through family-based petitions, employment visas, asylum, or other legal channels.
- Our attorneys can evaluate if you qualify for deportation relief or other forms of protection under U.S. immigration law.
4. Stay Updated on Immigration Policy Changes
- Immigration laws are shifting rapidly. Stay informed about any new developments and how they may impact you.
- Follow trusted legal sources, such as Oltarsh.com, for updates and legal guidance.
How Oltarsh & Associates Can Help You
Navigating these new immigration policies requires expert legal guidance. At Oltarsh & Associates, we have decades of experience defending immigrants and helping them secure legal status. Our team specializes in:
- Deportation Defense: Fighting removal proceedings and securing legal protections
- Adjustment of Status: Helping immigrants transition to lawful permanent residency
- Asylum & Humanitarian Relief: Assisting those fleeing persecution
- Criminal Immigration Defense: Defending immigrants against unjust criminalization
If you are at risk due to this policy, do not wait until it’s too late. Schedule a consultation today to understand your rights and develop a plan of action.
Take Action Now – Contact Oltarsh & Associates
Trump’s Immigration Registry could impact millions of immigrants—but you are not powerless. With the right legal guidance, you can protect yourself and your family from deportation and criminal charges.
Don’t let fear dictate your future. Contact Oltarsh & Associates today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward securing your legal status.
