White House Issues Final Warning on Alien Registration Act: Illegal Aliens Face Arrest, Fines, and Permanent Deportation
Leavitt and Noem Reinforce Trump’s Immigration Executive Order Ahead of April 11 Deadline
In a high-stakes move underscoring the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance immigration policy, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a stern warning on Friday to all illegal aliens residing in the United States: comply with the Alien Registration Act or face the consequences—including arrest, fines, imprisonment, and permanent deportation.
The statement coincided with the deadline set by Executive Order 14159, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025, his first day back in office. The executive order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fully enforce Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1302), which mandates that all aliens in the country for over 30 days must register with the federal government.
Leavitt: “No Sanctuary for Noncompliance”
Opening her Friday press briefing, Leavitt made clear that the grace period has ended:
“The deadline for registration under the Alien Registration Act is today. All foreign nationals present in the United States longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both,” said Leavitt.
She reiterated the administration’s message: voluntary compliance could lead to a path back into the country through legal channels—but failure to register would result in harsh enforcement.
“If you register and you leave now, you choose to self-deport; you may have the opportunity to return later legally. But if not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again,” she added.
Noem: “Leave Now or Face the Full Force of Federal Law”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released a corresponding statement on Friday, reinforcing the legal gravity of noncompliance:
“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream. But if you refuse, you will face the full force of federal law.”
Noem emphasized that the Alien Registration Act has long been on the books but was ignored by previous administrations. Trump’s order, she said, reactivates the statute and empowers DHS to make registration enforcement a criminal and civil priority.
Key Compliance Requirements Under the Order
According to DHS, as of April 11, 2025, the following provisions are in full effect:
- All aliens in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register with USCIS and provide fingerprints and DNA.
- All noncitizens age 18 or older must carry proof of registration at all times.
- Parents or guardians must register children under 14 who have been in the country for 30 days or more.
- All 14-year-olds must re-register upon reaching that age, even if previously registered.
No Room for Defiance
Both Leavitt and Noem made it unequivocally clear that there will be no sanctuary for violators of this law. Law enforcement has been directed to arrest, prosecute, and remove illegal aliens who fail to register—without exception.
“We must know who is in our country,” said Leavitt. “For the safety and the security of our homeland and all American citizens.”
This sweeping enforcement directive marks one of the boldest immigration moves in modern U.S. history, aimed at restoring order to a system that Trump and his allies have long argued has been weaponized, politicized, and dangerously neglected.
With the registration deadline passed and deportation enforcement beginning immediately, the full impact of Executive Order 14159 is now in motion.