This Friday, April 11, the new national registration system for undocumented immigrants through CBP Home announced last month by the Trump administration goes into effect, making between 2.2 and 3.2 million foreigners available to federal authorities, at minimum.
- The tool responds to Executive Order 14159 signed by President Donald Trump, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.”
- This reinforces our commitment to enforcing federal laws and safeguarding national security,” the spokesperson added.
- Fines must not exceed $5,000, and imprisonment must not exceed 30 days. In some cases, both penalties may apply.
- Activists Urge Migrants Not to Register for Voluntary Departure
On March 10, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the launch of the CBP Home app for these purposes.
The so-called “Alien Registration Requirement” aims to pressure immigrants to leave on their own or “self-deport” under the threat that if they do not, they face penalties.
The measure applies to undocumented immigrants aged 14 or older who have remained in the country for more than 30 days.
The system includes a feature known as “Intent to Depart” that allows foreigners who are in the U.S. illegally or whose parole has been revoked to notify the federal government of their voluntary intent to leave the country.
The tool responds to Executive Order 14159 signed by President Donald Trump, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.”
Through CBP Home, travelers, merchants, and stakeholders will continue to have access to a digital alternative that “streamlines CBP processes, enhances security, and reduces administrative burdens,” according to a statement released by the agency as part of the app’s announcement.
“CBP Home strengthens our mission to protect the U.S. border by ensuring the lawful entry of travelers and supporting effective law enforcement,” said Pete Flores, acting CBP commissioner.
“The app provides undocumented immigrants in the United States with a simple way to declare their intent to depart voluntarily, offering them the opportunity to leave before facing harsher consequences.
This reinforces our commitment to enforcing federal laws and safeguarding national security,” the spokesperson added.
On January 20, shortly after taking office, Trump issued Executive Order 14159, which instructed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that undocumented immigrants comply with their duty to register with the government under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and that any failure to meet the registration requirement would be treated as a priority for civil and criminal enforcement.
The referenced law states that, with limited exceptions, all undocumented immigrants aged 14 or older who are not registered with federal authorities or have not submitted fingerprints when applying for a visa and who have been in the U.S. for 30 days or more must complete the process.
A statement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicates that once an undocumented immigrant registers in the system, DHS will issue proof that the process was completed, documentation the foreigner must carry at all times.
“It is the legal obligation of all unregistered aliens (or those previously registered who turn 14) who remain in the United States for 30 days or more to comply with these requirements. Failure to do so may result in criminal and civil penalties, which may include misdemeanor prosecution, fines, and imprisonment,” USCIS warned.
Fines must not exceed $5,000, and imprisonment must not exceed 30 days. In some cases, both penalties may apply.
To facilitate registration, USCIS created a new form, the G-325R Biographic Information form, which foreigners must complete on their own or a parent or legal guardian must complete on behalf of a foreigner under 14.
What CBP Home does is provide access to registration for migrants who decide to submit their information.
In addition to allowing them to notify the federal government of their intent to depart, foreigners can use the app to estimate wait times and the status of lanes open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at land ports of entry.
Through CBP Home, users can also request a provisional I-94 entry before arriving at a land border crossing, among other services.
Shortly after taking office, Trump deactivated CBP One for new residents, leaving thousands of people stranded in Mexico who had appointments to advance their cases until early February.
Activists Urge Migrants Not to Register for Voluntary Departure
Regarding the self-deportation feature, immigrant advocacy organizations and activists have urged the community not to register with CBP.
Allegations against the process include claims that it violates the Fifth Amendment of the federal Constitution, which protects individuals from self-incrimination.
This Thursday, on the eve of CBP Home’s implementation, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden in Washington, D.C., ruled that the Trump administration may proceed with the registration of undocumented immigrants providing data to the government for their removal.
With the ruling, the Washington, D.C., judge dismissed the arguments of a group of four pro-immigrant organizations that sued the federal government.
The plaintiffs argued that DHS failed to comply with procedural rules, as the order should have been subject to public notice and comment requirements.
For McFadden, who was appointed by Trump, the organizations failed to prove their case.
Image: DiarioNY
