United States President Donald Trump’s administration has issued a warning to foreign nationals staying for more than 30 days without registration in the country to either leave or face a jail term.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday said that foreign nationals present in the US longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. "Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment," it said.
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. pic.twitter.com/FrsAQtUA7H
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 12, 2025
The social media post by the DHS was titled 'Message to Illegal Aliens'. The DHS asked those without valid documents to self-deport.
Who will be affected by the recent warning?
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Though the decision will not directly impact those in the US on H-1B visas or student permits, it will affect those without proper documentation. The aim is to tighten immigration enforcement.
H-1B visa holders, who lost their jobs and stayed in the country past their grace period would be impacted.
Foreign students in the US are also at risk if they do not have proper documents.
Those failing to register with the government after 30 days will face a fine of $998 per day after receiving a final order of removal.
Also, individuals who declare they will leave but then fail to self-deport will face fines ranging from $1,000-$5,000.
Lifetime bans from future legal immigration to the US and possible jail time also await those not complying with the rules. Meanwhile, self-deportation has its benefits including increased chances of legal migration in the future and also helps in avoiding a criminal record.
