Federal government requires undocumented immigrants to register. Organizations advise caution

The Trump administration now requires that all undocumented people 14 years of age or older register with the federal government, but pro-immigrant organizations are warning people to be cautious.

The immigration enforcement tool, mandated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which became effective Friday, seeks to identify and deport undocumented immigrants. DHS states that failing to register will be considered a crime. Those who register then have to self-deport or could face fines of up to $5,000 or prosecution. They must carry proof of registration at all times. Those who are under 14 years of age should have their parents or guardians register. 

A lawsuit spearheaded by the Coalition Pro-Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), didn’t prevail in court. On Thursday, federal judge Trevor Neil McFadden allowed the administration to move forward.

The news is devastating for people like Gabriela who has been living in the country undocumented for more than 20 years. She has four children, two of them gifted, and believes she and her family have been contributing positively to this country. 

“The immigrant community is confused. We keep wondering if we have to [register] it or not,” said Gabriela, who didn’t want to provide her last name for security reasons. “But we are not going to give up, we will fight until the end.”

Gabriela, who lives in Los Angeles, said her children are worried and one of them is experiencing anxiety, fearing what could be the future of his family. 

“Trump is trying to take away our peace and our human rights, but we will pray for him because he is causing a lot of pain to the immigrant community,” said Gabriela.

Organizations bow to fight

Angelica Salas, CHIRLA’s executive director, said this action is a mass roundup and an extension of the Trump Administration’s fearmongering campaign targeting immigrants who have deep roots in their communities.

“Starting today, immigrants throughout the country will be faced with an intolerable choice:  to register and self-incriminate, and risk being targeted for detention and deportation to their country of origin or who knows where else in the world, or not register, and risk being criminalized, penalized and prosecuted,” said Salas in a statement.

She said this despicable process intends to punish, exclude and tear families apart and offers nothing in the form of recognition of the collective worth, dignity or deep roots in local communities.

“Registration establishes a “show me your paper” nation setting the stage for racial profiling of immigrants and U.S. citizens alike,” she said. 

Salas said this relentless campaign seeks to empower government agencies, including the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, to dehumanize, criminalize and uproot immigrants from their communities and from the face of America.  

Fact sheet to consider

CHIRLA created a fact sheet where they explain who should register. This includes undocumented people who crossed the border unlawfully, Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. through a land port of entry and were not issued an I-94 or evidence of registration and undocumented immigrants who turn 14 years old. This last group has 30 days from their 14th birthday to register. 

Legal residents, people with visas, people with removal proceedings and immigrants with work permits are already registered.

CHIRLA recommends to the immigrant community that before making a decision they consult with a trusted immigration attorney to learn the potential risks involved by registering. 

They also remind undocumented people they have the right to remain silent, talk to an attorney and not sign anything if detained.

For more information on the Fact Sheet (English and Spanish) visit: www.chirla.org/registration/