Foreigners staying in US for over 30 days told to register with government or face arrest

The United States Department of Homeland Security said on Saturday that foreign nationals who have stayed in the country for 30 days or more (as of April 11) must register with the country’s Citizenship and Immigration Services or face arrest and deportation.

Foreigners with valid visas – such as H-1B visa holders, Green Card holders and international students – will be considered registered and should not be impacted by the move, but will be required to carry documentation with them at all times, The Times of India reported quoting unidentified immigration lawyers.

AP reported that the directive applies only to foreigners staying in the US illegally.

According to the Trump administration, between 2.2 million and 3.2 million persons could be affected by the move. Minors who turn 14 in the US have been told to “re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of your 14th birthday, even if previously registered”.

“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. “If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that all those who do not comply “will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again”.

A US federal...

Read more