A federal judge has ruled in favour of the Trump administration, allowing it to implement a controversial regulation requiring undocumented immigrants in the United States to register with the federal government and carry documentation.
The decision, announced on Thursday, April 10, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, marks a significant legal victory for the administration as it pushes forward with strict immigration policies.
The Registration Rule
Under the new rule, undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older must register their personal information, including fingerprints and residential addresses, through an online government portal. Failure to comply with the mandate could result in fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.
Parents and guardians are responsible for registering children under 14. The rule also applies to foreign nationals who have been in the country for more than 30 days, including Canadians spending extended periods in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that enforcement would begin immediately, with registration deadlines set for those already residing in the country illegally. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”
Legal Challenges
The ruling came after advocacy groups, including the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights and United Farm Workers of America, filed lawsuits challenging the regulation on procedural grounds. They argued that the rule violated the Administrative Procedure Act by bypassing required public input and posed significant risks to immigrant communities.
Judge McFadden dismissed these claims, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge the policy. He stated that their concerns were “too speculative” and failed to demonstrate concrete harm to their missions or individual members. McFadden’s decision did not address the substance of the rule but focused on technical legal issues surrounding standing.
Concerns from Advocacy Groups
Immigrant rights organizations have condemned the ruling as a dangerous precedent that could lead to widespread fear and chaos among undocumented communities.
Nicholas Espíritu, deputy legal director at the National Immigration Law Center, described the policy as “ripped straight out of an authoritarian playbook,” warning that it forces individuals into an impossible choice: register and risk deportation or refuse and face penalties.
Critics argue that such measures could deter immigrants from seeking essential services or cooperating with law enforcement due to fears of deportation. They also highlight historical parallels with internment policies during World War II and warn against repeating past mistakes.
Broader Implications
The registration rule is expected to impact millions of undocumented immigrants across the United States, with estimates ranging from 2.2 million to 3.2 million people affected.
While federal law has long required non-citizens to register with authorities under statutes dating back to 1940, enforcement has been inconsistent until now. The Trump administration’s move signals a renewed focus on strict immigration compliance as part of its broader deportation agenda.
The regulation also raises questions about its practical implementation and effectiveness. Critics have pointed out that many undocumented individuals may avoid registration due to fears of deportation, undermining efforts to accurately account for their presence in the country.