On April 11, a judge allowed the Trump Administration to move forward with a requirement that all people in the United States without documentation must register with the federal government. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
announced that it was mandating this process on February 25. On March 12, DHS published an interim final rule describing the Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration process. Registration is required for anyone age 14 and older, and parents must register children
younger than 14. People registering must also get fingerprinted and supply their address. This process originated in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, but has not recently been implemented.
This recent development will continue to add to the tense environment in our country for immigrants. There has been a barrage of Executive Orders and some injunctions regarding immigration rules and practices leading to confusion, fear and instability
for many people. Students who become aware of this requirement may begin to ask questions about their status and ability to continue to pursue their education plans. The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) hopes to provide its members with
basic information about this requirement here to help counselors support students and families.
Technically in effect since 1952, the registration requirement has been rarely enforced. The most recent examples of enforcement occurred after the September 11, 2001, attacks, but the requirement was suspended in 2011. Not completing the required registration
process is technically considered a crime. Many immigrants are already considered registered if they have an Alien Registration card, work permits, advance parole, or entered the country with a visa. People in these categories would not need to register
again.
The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration submitted a detailed comment letter on the Interim Final Rule that identifies significant issues with the impact of the process and the legal process with the quick implementation. Organizations leading work in this area such as The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration,
The Dream.US, Immigrants Rising, and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
have posted resources for those in this situation. It is strongly encouraged that these web sites be reviewed, and your organization utilize the information and resources available as you work with students and families impacted. The consensus message
is that people should seek legal advice before taking any action to register.
NCAN will be updating the policy section of our web site soon with information about this process and resources available. In the meantime, we want to provide our members with a few key links you may wish to utilize:
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