Indian H-1B, Green Card holders must carry IDs 24*7: New US rules explained

In a significant development in immigration policy, the Trump administration has announced a new rule mandating that all immigrants in the United States—including legal residents, workers, and students—must carry their identification documents at all times. This decision, made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), follows a recent court ruling that allowed the reinstatement of a Trump-era immigrant registration requirement. This rule, which requires illegal immigrants to formally register with the government, is now set to take effect.

Under this new policy, all non-citizens aged 18 and older will be required to carry valid identification documents at all times. The DHS emphasised that enforcement of this rule will be a priority, making clear that there will be no tolerance for non-compliance. The policy went into effect on April 11, with the DHS further stating that it would intensify its efforts to monitor and enforce the rule.

This shift follows the signing of the executive order “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” on January 20, which directed the DHS to enforce the long-ignored Alien Registration Act. The new guidelines primarily affect undocumented immigrants, requiring all non-citizens aged 14 and older who have been in the US for 30 days or more to register with the government by submitting a Form G-325R. Children of immigrants must also re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days of turning 14.

In addition, individuals arriving in the US after April 11 must register within 30 days of their arrival. Those who change addresses are required to report their new address to DHS within 10 days. Failure to comply with this regulation could result in fines of up to $5,000.

However, the rule does not apply to individuals already in the US with valid visas, such as those on student or work visas, or those holding green cards, employment documentation, or an I-94 admission record. These individuals are considered to have already completed the registration process. For example, Indian nationals residing in the US with a valid visa or green card are not required to register under the new rule but must carry their identification documents at all times and provide them when requested by authorities.

According to DHS data, approximately 2.2 lakh Indians were living in the US illegally as of 2022. However, estimates from other organisations, such as Pew Research Center, suggest the number could be as high as 7 lakh, with the Migration Policy Institute putting the figure at approximately 3.75 lakh.

This new regulation is poised to have far-reaching implications for the immigrant community in the US, particularly those without legal status, as it adds additional layers of documentation and monitoring to an already complex immigration system. The policy could spark debates over privacy, civil rights, and the broader impact on immigrant communities across the country.