The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rolled out a new rule under the Trump administration that affects how long foreign nationals can stay in the country without formally registering.
According to the new rule, anyone who remains in the United States for more than 30 days must now register with the federal government or face serious consequences.
This isn’t just a policy tweak. According to DHS, not registering could lead to daily fines, imprisonment, deportation, and even bans from future legal entry.
Mandatory Registration
The DHS is now requiring anyone staying in the US for more than 30 days to register with the federal government. Yes, you read that right. And what if you fail to do so? Well, that could land you in some hot water – think fines and even jail time.
Leave Now and Self-Deport
In a post titled “Message to Illegal Aliens”, the DHS emphasized the new enforcement policy on social media, tagging both President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem. The post stated:
“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.”
This marks one of the strongest public warnings from DHS in recent times, signaling a sharp crackdown on undocumented stays.
What Happens If You Don’t Register?
The consequences are no joke. Here’s what DHS outlined:
- $998 per day fine if you stay after receiving a final removal order.
- $1,000–$5,000 fine if you say you’ll self-deport but don’t follow through.
- Jail time if you continue to ignore the rules.
- Ban from returning to the U.S. legally in the future.
In short, the longer you wait, the higher the penalty, and the slimmer your chances of returning.
What If You Choose to Self-Deport?
Interestingly, DHS is also offering what they call a “safe exit” option. Those who voluntarily leave the U.S. may:
- Choose their own departure flight.
- Keep earnings earned in the U.S. (if they haven’t committed any crimes).
- Maintain eligibility for future legal immigration pathways.
- Even apply for a subsidized flight home, if needed.
DHS is urging undocumented individuals to “self-deport now” before enforcement intensifies.
Does This Affect Legal Visa Holders Like H-1B or F-1 Students?
Not directly, for now. The rule doesn’t target individuals currently on legal visas like H-1B workers or F-1 international students. However, there’s a catch: once a visa expires or becomes invalid, like in the case of a job loss, your legal status ends too.
So, if you’re an H-1B visa holder who’s been laid off and hasn’t left within the grace period, you may be viewed as “unlawfully present” and subject to the same rules.
In short, maintaining visa compliance is more critical than ever under these new enforcement policies.
Key Takeaways for Travelers and Expats
If you’re living in or planning to travel to the U.S., here’s what you need to know:
| Situation | What You Need To Do |
|---|---|
| Staying over 30 days | Register with DHS |
| Overstayed your visa | Consider self-deporting to avoid legal trouble |
| Want to stay longer | Make sure your visa and paperwork are in order |
| Can’t afford a flight home | Apply for subsidized return through DHS |
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
This new policy is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to tighten immigration enforcement. It’s a wake-up call for anyone overstaying their welcome, whether by accident or intention.
If you’re in the U.S. without valid documentation, the best course of action right now may be to consult an immigration lawyer or explore DHS’s self-deportation process before penalties start piling up.
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