The Trump administration has compelled all immigrants in the United States to follow their recent stringent immigration requirements. Under this new policy, all foreign nationals, who include students, workers, and visitors, must present proof of legal authorisation whenever they are in public areas.
The immigration enforcement measure from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) became effective on April 11, 2025. The DHS explains that their changes focus on enforcing internal immigration inspections and maintaining compliance with the historic Alien Registration Act.
All foreign nationals staying in the United States for more than thirty days needed to file their registration before April 11. The I-94 entry record and visas and Green Cards represent acceptable proof when establishing residency. People who fail to submit their documentation will face penalties including monetary fines, misdemeanour charges, and jail sentences.
Parents Must Register Children Too
This requirement applies to young children from ages 14 and below, as parents or guardians must complete their registration process. Children who reach age 14 need to re-register while completing biometric procedures with fingerprinting as part of their process within a 30-day period after their birthday.
The newly developed online system requires foreign nationals who previously registered for updates of their information.
Police Can Now Request Proof of Status
A major point of contention in the new policy allows traffic police, alongside other law enforcement officials, to verify proof of legal status from citizens. The new policy has caused concern within immigrant communities since they worry about unjust targeting and profiling.
The new rules demand that people who need to keep their documents updated maintain digital or physical copies that accompany them during all activities.
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Many Ghanaians, along with other foreign nationals, experience an intensified immigration enforcement approach as the United States intensifies domestic immigration checks.
