Trump administration unveils a new policy requiring undocumented immigrants to register or face penalties, while offering a path to legal return for those who self-deport within 60 days.
At a Glance
- Undocumented immigrants over age 13 must register with the federal government or face potential criminal penalties
- Those who voluntarily leave within a proposed 60-day window may be eligible for legal reentry
- Special consideration for farm and hospitality workers whose employers vouch for them
- Policy based on a World War II-era law, excludes legal residents, visa holders, and those in immigration proceedings
- Administration plans to support deportees with food and housing assistance in their home countries
New Registration Requirements and Penalties
The Trump administration has announced a significant shift in immigration enforcement, requiring undocumented immigrants age 14 or older who have been in the United States for more than 30 days to register with the federal government. Those who fail to comply could face criminal prosecution, including potential jail time and fines. Parents or legal guardians must register on behalf of teenagers subject to these requirements. The initiative is based on a World War II-era law originally designed to identify suspected communists.
According to officials, registered individuals will receive a document they “must carry and keep in their possession at all times.” The policy does not apply to legal permanent residents, immigrants under parole, those with visas (even if overstayed), or those with government work permits or in immigration court proceedings. An online form will be provided for those who have not registered, with the stated goal of encouraging unauthorized immigrants to self-deport.
Path to Legal Return for Self-Deportees
President Trump has outlined an approach that combines enforcement with pathways for legal reentry, particularly for workers in industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor. The administration has proposed a 60-day window for undocumented immigrants to leave the country voluntarily, after which they may have an opportunity to return legally. This represents a significant departure from previous hardline approaches to immigration enforcement.
“We’re going to work with people, so that if they go out in a nice way, and go back to their country, we’re going to work with them right from the beginning on trying to get them back in legally,” said Trump.
Trump has specifically highlighted agricultural and hospitality workers, acknowledging their importance to these industries. The President suggested that farmers and employers could provide letters vouching for undocumented workers, potentially facilitating their legal return. This approach appears designed to address concerns from industries that have traditionally relied on immigrant labor while still advancing the administration’s enforcement priorities.
Focus on Self-Deportation and Industry Needs
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the initiative as “a very big self-deport operation,” emphasizing voluntary compliance rather than mass raids or roundups. The administration is leveraging technology like the CBP Home app, which has already supported over 5,000 individuals to leave in recent weeks. This approach reflects the practical challenges of large-scale deportation operations while still advancing the administration’s immigration objectives.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” said Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin.
The policy reflects an awareness of economic realities, particularly in agriculture where undocumented workers make up a significant portion of the workforce. Trump acknowledged that “we have to take care of our farmers, the hotels and, you know, the various places where they tend to, where they tend to need people.” The administration has also indicated it plans to improve existing temporary worker programs like H-2A and H-2B, which employers have found difficult to navigate.
Support for Deportees in Home Countries
Secretary Noem has indicated that the administration is working to secure resources to support deported immigrants in their home countries. These efforts include programs offering food and housing assistance to ease the transition for those returning to their nations of origin. This approach aims to address humanitarian concerns while still advancing the administration’s enforcement priorities.
Meanwhile, immigration enforcement actions continue, with the administration recently deporting nearly 300 people, mostly Venezuelans, using the Alien Enemies Act. Immigration officers have been active in arresting undocumented individuals in various settings. The American Business Immigration Coalition and other industry groups continue to advocate for solutions that address labor needs while complying with immigration laws.
