A U.S. District Court ruling issued by Judge Trevor Neil McFadden on Thursday requires individuals in the country illegally to register with the federal government by Friday. This decision marks another legal victory for the Trump administration in its ongoing push for stricter immigration controls.
The Legal Context
Since taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump has prioritized immigration reform as one of the key pillars of his administration. The president has used executive orders to enact sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy.
One such measure involved invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which grants the president the authority to detain or deport non-citizens during wartime. However, this measure was blocked by a federal court, leading to ongoing legal battles.
Judge McFadden’s Ruling
In a separate case, Judge McFadden, a Trump appointee, ruled in favor of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His decision came after the DHS introduced an “Interim Final Rule” that mandates illegal immigrants to submit Form G-325R for registration.
The rule is set to go into effect on April 11, 2025. The Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights filed a lawsuit to block the registration enforcement, but McFadden denied their request, allowing the registration requirement to proceed.
This ruling marks a significant step in the Trump administration’s broader effort to enforce immigration laws more strictly. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem responded to the ruling by reiterating the administration’s message: illegal immigrants must leave the country or face possible deportation, with a chance to return in the future if they comply.
Why This Matters
The decision has raised concerns, particularly about the Trump administration’s stance on deportations and its overall approach to immigration enforcement. Critics argue that the new rule will force immigrants into a difficult position, making them choose between registering and facing potential deportation or remaining in the country illegally.
Nicholas Espíritu, deputy legal director at the National Immigration Law Center, expressed disappointment over the ruling, highlighting the pressure this places on immigrant communities. He urged those affected by the ruling to seek legal counsel to understand the consequences of registering under this new requirement.
Reactions from Trump Officials
Trump’s border czar, Thomas Homan, has been vocal about the administration’s commitment to strict immigration enforcement.
In a recent post, he praised the actions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), emphasizing that the Trump administration is taking significant steps to secure the nation’s borders and remove dangerous individuals.
Homan’s statement highlighted the administration’s focus on keeping violent criminals and illegal immigrants out of American communities.