TRENTON, NJ — A federal judge on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to proceed with a sweeping new requirement for undocumented immigrants to register with the federal government, setting up a major shift in immigration enforcement nationwide.
Immigrants who fail to register under the new rule face criminal penalties and heightened risk of deportation as enforcement begins this weekend.
“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”
This ruling affects some estimated 300,000 illegal migrants residing in New Jersey, and millions of others living across the nation.
Key Points:
- Judge Trevor McFadden ruled plaintiffs lacked standing to block the registration requirement
- The policy takes effect Friday and mandates registration, fingerprinting, and ID documentation
- Noncompliance could lead to fines, jail time, and deportation
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden ruled that immigrant advocacy groups challenging the policy failed to establish legal standing, clearing the path for the rule to take effect immediately.
The decision did not address the legality of the policy itself, but focused instead on procedural grounds.
It also puts the federal government further at odds with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin. Both are under investigation for interfering in federal arrests of criminal migrant aliens.
U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba announced an investigation into the two New Jersey Democrats after a leaked memo to the New Jersey State Police ordered the state’s law enforcement officers not to cooperate with federal authorities.
The new registration requirement, grounded in section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), mandates that all undocumented immigrants aged 14 or older who remain in the United States for more than 30 days must register with the Department of Homeland Security.
Those under 14 must be registered by a parent or guardian.
Starting Friday, individuals must create an online account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, complete Form G-325R, and attend a biometrics appointment.
Federal officials stress compliance
Homeland Security officials emphasized that compliance is mandatory and that undocumented immigrants must carry proof of registration if over age 18.
Penalties for failing to register include up to six months in jail, fines reaching $5,000, or both.
DHS noted that failure to register could also increase the risk of deportation.
The Trump administration has launched a national media campaign to promote compliance, with messaging intended to prompt voluntary departures. Officials have framed the initiative as a national security measure, pointing to longstanding statutory obligations previously underenforced.