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US Orders Foreign Nationals to Register or Face Jail, Deportation
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a directive mandating all foreign nationals residing in the country for more than 30 days to register with the federal government or risk imprisonment and deportation.
In a post shared via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the DHS, the agency said failure to comply would constitute a criminal offense punishable by fines and jail time. The announcement, made under the administration of President Donald Trump, emphasized a tougher stance on undocumented immigration.
“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,” the post read.
The message, which was also directed at so-called “illegal aliens,” urged non-compliant residents to self-deport, stating that doing so would preserve future chances for legal re-entry into the United States.
Self-deportation is safe. Leave on your own terms by picking your departure flight. Keep money earned in the US if you self-deport as a non-criminal illegal alien,” the DHS said, adding that those unable to afford a ticket may be eligible for a subsidized flight
While the new measure does not immediately target foreign nationals on legal visas—such as H-1B holders or international students—it signals stricter immigration enforcement across the board. The DHS warned that individuals who lose their visa status without timely departure could face penalties, especially if they fail to inform the authorities.
Consequences for non-compliance include:
*A fine of $998 per day** for individuals who overstay following a final order of removal.
Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000** for those who promise but fail to self-deport.
Ineligibility for legal re-entry** into the United States. **Possible jail time** for violators.
The announcement has sparked reactions across international communities and advocacy groups, many of whom argue that such measures could lead to fear-driven departures, legal ambiguity, and humanitarian concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security also tagged President Trump and Secretary Krisi Noem in the public message, reiterating the administration’s hardline position: *“LEAVE NOW and self-deport.”.
