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Politics April 13,2025 | Independence Journal Editorial Team

REGISTER or GET DEPORTED – New Order!

A new executive order by President Donald Trump, enforcing a noncitizen registry, reignites immigration policy discussions.

At a Glance

Noncitizens aged 14+ must register with the federal government or face legal consequences.

Registration is enforced under the executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.”

Critics argue this policy facilitates mass deportations without proper public notification.

The order applies even to Canadians and noncitizen minors through parental registration.

Federal Judge Allows Enforcement

Noncitizens in the United States are now required to register with the federal government, following a ruling by Judge Trevor Neil McFadden. The administration’s executive order, dubbed “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” mandates that noncitizens, 14 and older, living in the U.S. for over 30 days must register. Noncompliance may lead to fines or imprisonment. The initiative, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, aims to enhance national security.

Opponents argue this decision creates an impossible choice for registering noncitizens, pushing them toward potential deportation or criminal charges. The judiciary’s approval comes despite lawsuits filed by nonprofit organizations seeking to block the initiative. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of enforcing the Alien Registration Act, warning of legal actions against unregistered individuals.

Scope of the Noncitizen Registry

This directive requires noncitizens aged 14 and above to provide fingerprints and address details, with registration mandated through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Parents and guardians are also obligated to register minors under 14. The registry extends to Canadian nationals residing in the U.S. for more than 30 days. Enforcing these measures, ICE agents are instructed to prioritize migrants who fail to comply, potentially leading to criminal prosecution.

Criticism suggests the administration’s policies aim to expedite mass deportations. By making aliens register, critics argue, the government places noncitizens between the risk of deportation for registering and criminal charges for noncompliance. Activists emphasize the lack of a public notification process, underscoring ethical concerns about the policy’s impact on the immigrant community.

Historical Context and Impact

Building on the Alien Registration Act of 1940 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, the order enforces regulations historically sparingly used. The Trump administration asserts these requirements, previously underenforced, are now universally applicable. While advocates express fears about potential misuse for mass deportation, administration officials maintain that the stringent application of immigration laws fortifies national security.

“Plaintiffs have not shown that they are likely to succeed on the merits. They have failed to demonstrate that they have standing to bring this suit.” – US District Court Judge Trevor McFadden

The federal government estimates 3.2 million individuals may be affected by this directive. Despite criticism, the mandate reportedly has seen high compliance rates, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This executive order underscores the evolving landscape of immigration policy and its implications for millions residing in the United States.

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