White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned illegal aliens in the United States on Friday that they will be arrested, charged with a crime, and deported if they do not register with the federal government under the “long-ignored” Alien Registration Act.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, “On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which directed the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that aliens comply with their duty to register with the government under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302), and ensure that failure to comply with the registration requirement is treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.”
This requires all unregistered aliens who are 14 years of age or older and have been in the country for 30 days or longer to register and provide fingerprint DNA to the government.
“As President Trump and Secretary Noem have both said, if you register and you leave now, you choose to self-deport; you may have the opportunity to return later legally,” Leavitt announced while opening her press briefing on Friday.
WATCH:
Leavitt: The deadline for registration under the Alien Registration Act is today. All foreign nationals present in the United States longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply with this is a crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. As President Trump and Secretary Noem have both said, if you register and you leave now, you choose to self deport; you may have the opportunity to return later legally.
But if not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again. The Trump administration will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration laws. We will not pick and choose which allows to enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and the security of our homeland and for all American citizens.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also issued the following press release on Friday:
WASHINGTON – Today, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reminded all foreign nationals present in the United Stated longer than 30 days that the deadline to register under the Alien Registration Act is coming up on April 11.
This law requires all aliens in the United States for more than 30 days to register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” said Secretary Noem. “The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”
BACKGROUND:
On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to restore order and accountability to our immigration system. This includes enforcing the long-ignored Alien Registration Act.
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:
On or by April 11, 2025, the following will apply to all noncitizens, regardless of status:
Present in the U.S. for 30 days or more as of April 11, 2025, without registration evidence: Register immediately via USCIS.
Entering on or after April 11, 2025, without registration evidence: Register within 30 days of arrival.
Turning 14 in the U.S.: Re-register and submit fingerprints within 30 days of your 14th birthday, even if previously registered.
Parents or guardians of minors under 14: Register minors if they remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.
Upon registration and fingerprinting, DHS will issue proof of registration. All noncitizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times. This administration has directed DHS to prioritize enforcement, there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance.
The post WATCH: Press Sec Karoline Leavitt Puts Illegal Aliens on Notice, Says Today is Deadline to Register for Self Deportation – “You Will be Arrested, Fined, Deported, Never to Return to Our Country Again” appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.