AIC’s Rapid Analysis of Immigration Registration

The American Immigration Council has released a “rapid analysis” of the Trump Administration’s Registration Requirement for Immigrants.

Here is one snippet:

The implementation of this registration process will have two major effects.

The most acute impact will be on immigrants who are not already considered registered. Many immigrants, including millions of people without lawful status, are already deemed to be registered—including anyone who has received a work permit and anyone who has been placed in deportation proceedings. Please see the “Who the Registration Process Will Affect” section, below, for more complete information about which immigrants are deemed registered already and which are not.

However, unauthorized immigrants who have not been deemed registered—including anyone who entered the United States without inspection and has not had any contact with the federal government—will now be placed in a very vulnerable and sensitive position. People who choose to submit a “registration” form may be opening themselves up to being arrested by immigration authorities and placed in removal proceedings. People who choose not to submit the form, on the other hand, may be in danger of criminal prosecution.

Additionally, the Trump administration’s policy raises the possibility that immigrants who are registered— regardless of lawful status—might be criminally charged and penalized for failing to carry proof of their registration with them at all times.

-KitJ