LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A federal rule officially took effect Friday requiring undocumented immigrants to register with the government.
This law requiring non-citizens to register with the federal government has been on the books for decades – but it hasn’t been enforced like this in years.
Starting Friday, undocumented immigrants must register with the federal government – providing fingerprints, personal information, and address history – or face fines or jail time.
“This is an old law, we haven’t seen it implemented in full effect in decades,” said Senior Staff Attorney at ACLU Nevada Sadmira Ramic. “It was so old that the documents it was referring to no longer existed.”
On the other hand, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem released a statement Friday:
“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” said Secretary Noem. “The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”
Ramic explained the rule was rushed into place with no clear guidance – leaving millions of people unsure of what to do or whether they’ll be targeted.
“There’s a lot of questions out there of ‘who is covered under the registration process? Who actually does have to register now?‘” Ramic said.
In Nevada, an estimated 190,000 undocumented immigrants live and work in the state – many right here in Las Vegas. State Senator Edgar Flores explained the rule will create wide ranging effects in the community
“So what you’re going to end up having is, unfortunately, a community who’s going to stop reporting crimes,” said Flores.
Las Vegas Valley immigration attorney, Kathia Quiros explained many immigrants who experience wage theft could be a lot more reluctant to seek help.
“So these people who are going to hide definitely are not going to contact authorities if they are, if they are, harmed,” Quiros said.
The rule also requires immigrants always carry documentation – something attorneys warned could open the door to profiling.
“There is no way for a member of law enforcement, specifically ICE to not go up to somebody without violating some type of personal right,” said Flores.
“Is this going to increase the amount of racial profiling? Yes, I believe so,” said Quiros.
The Department of Homeland Security said undocumented people have 30 days to register with the federal government.
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