US introduces Mandatory Registration for Foreign Nationals: Violators face Imprisonment and Deportation

In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established a new requirement mandating that all foreign nationals who stay in the United States for more than 30 days must register with federal authorities.

Announced earlier this week, this regulation represents one of the most stringent immigration enforcement measures implemented in recent years. The consequences for non-compliance are severe, including financial penalties, imprisonment, deportation, and potential permanent bans from future U.S. entry.

Official Announcement

The DHS revealed this policy through a social media statement titled “Message to Illegal Aliens,” in which both President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem were tagged.

The announcement 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.”

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Those who fail to adhere to this new registration requirement face escalating consequences:

• Daily fines of $998 for individuals remaining after receiving a final removal order
• Fines between $1,000 and $5,000 for those who claim they will self-deport but fail to leave
• Imprisonment for continued non-compliance
• Permanent ineligibility for legal entry to the United States in the future

The DHS emphasised that delaying registration only worsens potential consequences, warning: “The longer you wait, the higher the penalty, and the slimmer your chances of returning.”

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Voluntary Departure Option

For undocumented individuals, the DHS has introduced a “safe exit” provision for those who choose to self-deport voluntarily. Benefits include:

• Choosing their departure flight
• Retaining earnings acquired while in the U.S. (if no crimes were committed)
• Maintaining eligibility for future legal immigration opportunities
• Potential access to subsidised return flights for those facing financial difficulties

As enforcement efforts intensify in the coming weeks, the DHS urges affected individuals to “Self-deport now.”

Implications for Visa Holders

While the directive primarily targets undocumented immigrants, it has important implications for those on legal visas:

• Individuals with valid visas, such as H-1B work visas or F-1 student visas, are not immediately affected
• However, once a visa expires or becomes invalid (through events such as job loss or program termination), the individual becomes “unlawfully present” and subject to these penalties

Implications for Nigerian Nationals

This enforcement policy affects all foreign nationals in the United States, including Nigerian citizens in various visa categories. While those on valid visas remain in legal status, they must still comply with the registration requirement if staying longer than 30 days.

For Nigerian students, workers, visitors, and permanent residents in the U.S., it is crucial to understand and follow these registration procedures to avoid potential legal consequences.

Interestingly, this U.S. policy shift coincides with Nigeria’s immigration reforms set to begin May 1st, 2025. Nigeria is implementing a fully automated electronic visa (e-Visa) system and digital landing and exit cards for all travellers. The Nigerian government, through a partnership between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Aviation, is tightening documentation requirements and strengthening border intelligence. Similar to the U.S. approach, Nigeria has established a three-month amnesty window (May to August 2025) for undocumented migrants to regularise their status before stricter enforcement begins. After August 31st, those without proper documentation may face deportation, fines, and re-entry bans. This parallel development shows how both nations are simultaneously prioritising immigration compliance and documentation.