The United States government has issued a sweeping new directive requiring all foreign nationals who remain in the country for more than 30 days to register with federal authorities or risk serious consequences. The announcement, made by the Department of Homeland Security, marks one of the toughest immigration policies introduced in recent times.
According to the agency, foreign nationals who fail to comply with the 30-day registration rule could face daily fines of nearly $1,000, imprisonment, and permanent bans from returning to the US. The directive was shared publicly in a firm message addressed to undocumented immigrants, urging immediate action and warning that delays would only worsen their situation. Individuals who stay beyond the legal time limit are being told to either register or leave voluntarily, with the department stressing that any hesitation would lead to harsher penalties and reduce chances of legal return.
Those who choose to self-deport are being offered a so-called “safe exit” option. Under this provision, eligible individuals may be allowed to keep their earnings, apply for financial assistance to leave the country, and choose their flight out. This option is only available to those who haven’t committed crimes and are willing to cooperate with immigration authorities. The agency confirmed that those who make this choice voluntarily may remain eligible for future immigration programs.
While the rule does not affect people holding valid visas like the H-1B for skilled workers or F-1 for students, DHS made it clear that once those visas expire or become invalid due to job loss or academic dismissal, the individuals immediately fall under the new regulation. The department emphasized the importance of maintaining legal immigration status, warning that failure to do so now carries heavier consequences than ever before.
The policy, introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration and supported by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, appears to be a direct push to enforce stricter immigration control. Officials posted the announcement across government platforms, tagging both the President and Secretary Noem in a message that urged undocumented immigrants to leave the country on their own before enforcement efforts escalate.
