WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Immigrants living in the United States — including H-1B visa holders, students, green card holders, and undocumented residents — must now carry proof of their legal status at all times under a new federal rule that took effect April 11.
The policy, rooted in the long-standing Alien Registration Act of 1940, was revived through a directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and solidified by a court ruling earlier this year. The change, part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown, applies to all non-citizens aged 18 and older, regardless of visa status.
“All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The administration has directed DHS to prioritize enforcement. There will be no sanctuary for noncompliance.”
The new regulation follows Trump’s January 20 executive order, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” The policy was formalized as an interim final rule by DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on March 12, bypassing the usual public comment period. According to the DHS, the requirement is designed to enhance national security by ensuring every non-citizen’s status can be verified on demand.
Immigration attorneys note the rule does not require new forms for most legal immigrants, such as H-1B visa holders, green card holders, F-1 student visa holders, or those with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). These individuals are already considered “registered” with the federal government, but the key change is that they must now carry physical proof — such as a green card, visa, I-94 record, or EAD — at all times.
Failure to carry proper documentation could result in fines, detention, or even deportation, DHS said. Penalties include up to six months in jail for noncompliance, according to guidance cited by Business Standard. The policy also includes new reporting rules for address changes and for children aging into the system.
Children turning 14 must re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of their birthday. Any non-citizen must report a change of address within 10 days or risk a fine of up to $5,000 or up to 30 days in jail.
The rule is expected to affect millions of people, including an estimated 220,000 undocumented Indian nationals living in the U.S., according to DHS figures. Other independent estimates place that number higher. The Pew Research Center estimates up to 700,000 undocumented Indian immigrants, while the Migration Policy Institute estimates around 375,000.
The American Immigration Council and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights have filed a lawsuit challenging the rule, arguing it violates the Administrative Procedure Act by skipping the required public feedback process. However, U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, a Trump appointee, declined to block the rule, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked sufficient legal standing.
Immigration attorneys recommend that legal immigrants take precautions, including keeping original documents in a secure location and carrying clear, notarized copies when possible. “This measure intends to enhance national security by ensuring that all individuals in the country are properly documented,” Aurelia Menezes, a partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, told Business Standard. “It also seeks to prevent fraudulent activities and improve the enforcement of immigration laws.”
Immigration attorney Abhisha Parikh, in a widely shared social media post, advised immigrants to remain calm during encounters with law enforcement, confirm whether they’re free to leave, and avoid signing any documents without consulting a lawyer.
