In a significant policy announcement, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared on Tuesday her intention to enforce the Alien Registration Act of 1940.
This move mandates that all illegal immigrants residing in the United States must register with the government. The directive stipulates that individuals who enter the country illegally are required to register within 30 days of their arrival.
As reported by The Post Millennial, Noem emphasized the legal framework supporting this initiative: "The Alien Registration Act says that within 30 days of being in this country illegally, someone must register with the federal government, they will be fingerprinted."
This legislation, originally enacted in 1940, also included provisions for registrants to affirm they had no intentions of overthrowing the government. The act's authority was notably invoked post-9/11 by President George W. Bush, facilitating the deportation of numerous illegal immigrants.
Noem outlined the benefits of compliance, stating, "They must announce that they are here, and if they do so, they can avoid criminal charges and fines and we will help them relocate right back to their home country." She further articulated her vision for this policy, suggesting that registration could "provide them an opportunity to come back someday, and to be a part of the American dream."
The consequences for non-compliance are clear and stringent. Noem warned, "If they dont register, they are breaking the federal law, which has always been in place. We're just going to start enforcing it to make sure that these aliens go back home, and when they want to be an American they can come and visit us again." This approach underscores a commitment to uphold existing laws while offering a pathway for future legal entry.
A dedicated website has been launched to facilitate the registration process. The site specifies that "with limited exceptions, all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a US visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, must apply for registration and fingerprinting." It also mandates that parents and guardians are responsible for registering children under 14, with re-registration required upon reaching their 14th birthday.
The registration process includes fingerprinting, and once completed, the Department of Homeland Security will issue proof of registration. This documentation must be carried by aliens over the age of 18 at all times.
The website makes it clear that "No alien will have an excuse for failure to comply with this law. Registration is not an immigration status, and registration documentation does not establish employment authorization or any other right or benefit under the INA or any other U.S. law."
This policy initiative reflects a broader conservative agenda focused on enforcing immigration laws and ensuring national security. By emphasizing the importance of legal compliance and offering a structured process for registration, Secretary Noem aims to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration while maintaining the integrity of the nation's borders.
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