A US district judge's recent decision has allowed the Trump administration to enforce a contentious rule requiring all immigrants in the United States, regardless of their legal status, to register with the federal government and carry documentation proving their immigration status at all times.
This includes Indian nationals on H1-B visas, international students, and green card holders, many of whom belong to the large Indian diaspora in the US.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement clarifying that all noncitizens aged 18 and older are required to carry proof of their legal status at all times.
This rule affects both individuals who are already registered, such as those holding H1-B visas or green cards, and those who have entered the US on valid visas.
While these individuals will not need to re-register, they are still obligated to provide documentation when requested by authorities.
Additionally, the new rule stipulates that immigrant children turning 14 must re-register with the federal government and submit their fingerprints within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
This requirement has added to the anxiety within immigrant communities, particularly among parents of children who may now face additional bureaucratic hurdles.
The DHS emphasized that the agency would be prioritising enforcement of the new rule, which it described as crucial for the protection of national security and public safety.
However, this move has been met with criticism from immigrant rights organisations, who argue that it unfairly targets immigrants and further complicates their lives.
The policy has also rekindled concerns about the Trump administration's broader approach to immigration enforcement, which has seen a significant uptick in measures aimed at restricting immigration and strengthening border security.
For the large number of Indian workers and students in the United States, this policy change marks another challenge in navigating an increasingly complex and hostile immigration environment.
