The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new regulation requiring all foreign nationals who remain in the country for more than 30 days to register with federal authorities or risk facing severe penalties.
The new directive, introduced earlier in the week, is being described as one of the toughest immigration policies in recent years.
In a statement titled “Message to Illegal Aliens” and addressed to President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the agency declared:
“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.”
The DHS further warned that those who do not comply with the new rule may face daily fines of up to $998, criminal charges, imprisonment, and permanent bans from re-entering the country. Those who agree to leave but fail to do so will also face stiffer consequences.
“The longer you wait, the higher the penalty, and the slimmer your chances of returning,” the agency added, stressing that delaying registration could severely affect future immigration opportunities.
In an effort to encourage voluntary compliance, DHS also introduced a “safe exit” program for undocumented immigrants.
Individuals who choose to self-deport may be able to select their departure date and flight, retain their earnings if they have no criminal record, receive financial assistance for travel if needed, and remain eligible for future immigration benefits.
The policy currently excludes those with valid visas—such as H-1B work visas or F-1 student visas.
However, DHS clarified that once a visa expires or becomes invalid due to job loss or termination of a program, the individual will be considered unlawfully present and subject to penalties under the new rule.
The department emphasized that maintaining valid immigration status is now more critical than ever.
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