Judge now Sides with Trump: Visa Holders & the Undocumented Must Register or Face Severe Penalties.

Judge now Sides with Trump: Visa Holders & the Undocumented Must Register or Face Severe Penalties.

The news as it trends.

In what some civil advocates have called a bizarre outcome—one never imposed before—an immigration judge has now sided with the Trump administration, bringing a significant legal victory for the administration to put into effect a controversial immigrant registration mandate that takes effect immediately.

Per media reports, the U.S. District Judge Trevor Neil McFadden has ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the registry mandate to proceed.

Starting this month, April 2025, all undocumented immigrants in the United States, as well as anyone with a visa who has been in the country for more than 30 days, are required by law to register their personal information, including fingerprints and residential addresses, with the federal government.

This rule, rooted in a 1940 law, is enforced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and applies to individuals aged 14 and older.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of the registration process for national security, stating that it ensures the government knows who is in the country.

Failure to comply with the mandate could result in fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or even deportation.

It is also worth noting that individuals visiting the U.S. from other countries for vacations or important purposes must now carefully plan their stay.

If their visit exceeds 30 days, they are required to register or risk facing severe consequences, including deportation, fines, or imprisonment.

This has raised concerns among travelers and immigrant communities alike.

The Trump administration’s stance on immigration policies, according to interviews conducted by several people for this report, has sparked allegations from some of his supporters that his enforcement measures have gone beyond the initial promises he made during the campaign.

While the administration claimed its aim was to target criminals, critics now speculate that these policies are not only likely to collapse the tourism industry—due to the enforcement of fingerprinting mandates and registration requirements for those intending to stay beyond 30 days—but are also designed to target individuals who may have done nothing wrong other than visiting the U.S

This has created an atmosphere of fear, especially in a country that prides itself on progress in human rights issues.

Critics have raised concerns about the implications of this policy, arguing that it could lead to profiling, harassment, and fear among immigrant communities.

Advocacy groups have condemned the rule as authoritarian, forcing individuals into a difficult choice: register and risk deportation or refuse and face penalties.

Per media reports, despite legal challenges, Judge McFadden dismissed claims that the rule violated procedural laws, allowing its immediate enforcement.

The implications are far-reaching.

Millions of undocumented immigrants may avoid registration due to fears of deportation, potentially undermining the rule’s effectiveness.

Families could face separation, and individuals seeking residency may see their cases jeopardized.

Critics also warn of historical parallels with discriminatory policies and the potential for widespread abuse.

As it is, Trump’s policy marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, with profound consequences for millions across the country.

Yetunde B Reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog.